Look at us, the class of 2012, with our diversity and respect for one another, I can see that our society has changed enormously in the last forty years a mere decade before County High School opened. I would even say that most of the world has changed from judging people by their race or nationality to judging them by their character. Although the world has matured a great deal we cannot remain in this single state of maturity, we must continue to grow.
Now is the time to make a change in the world again. The ambassador of this change is County High School's class of 2012. We can change the world this very hour, this very minute, this very second. The key to changing the world is in each and every one of you. By looking inside yourself and truly understanding who you are you can change the world.
By finding out who you are now you can prevent yourself from becoming a victim of the void that lives in the people of today's society. People are in a sea of darkness this day. They continually look for something meaningful that they can hold onto, but are easily distracted by temporary pleasures. While the bell was sounding for them to find themselves they were at the club checking-out the people that just walked in. They were trying to get the high paying job so they could buy the luxury cars. They were trying to fill their emotional void with material objects and lustful fantasies. They never found out what their true delights were, they only listened to what society said could fill their heart and make their pain go away. They never knew themselves. Do not make this mistake in your life. Re-examine your life and find out what made you happy. What class excited your imagination? What was truly great about your past boyfriend ...
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...test joys in life seldom come from material objects or non-challenging activities. To truly reach your potential you must conquer your fears and face the challenges that come before you. To be a great person you must be willing to do great things. Every person here is capable of excellence.
It is my hope that you take these words and apply them to your life. You are graduating from high school and entering the world of possibilities and responsibilities. You have made friends, had relationships, and gained useful knowledge, all of which has prepared you to harness the possibilities and accept the responsibilities. The greatest lesson you can now learn is be true to yourself. Find out who you are and who you want to be. Fate will dominate your life as long as you let it do so. Take control of your destiny and help our world to become a better world for everyone.
Like Hyrum, we will face unexpected challenges, disappointments and complications when we leave school and grow from students to responsible young adults. Some of us may experience unemployment, failure, ill health, loneliness and even death of loved one. Nevertheless, how we respond to these challenges is a matter of individual choice. Each one of us is the author of our own story, the master of our own fate and the captain of our own soul.”
When I think of the United States Flag I feel honored. Everyday in the morning after the school bell rings I place my hand upon my heart, and say the “Pledge of Allegiance”. Everyday I am reminded of the appreciation I have for my country. The flag represents all the veterans who fought for our country. When I look at the flag the white stars on the sky of blue represent the past veterans who served our country, the red stripes represent the bloodshed of the fallen soldiers who died protecting our country, and the white stripes signifies innocence and purity.
Look at your life now. Think of your future. Think about what you want to become, your aspirations, ambitions, and goals for yourself. Many of us, in this very room are seniors; we are about to graduate high school and enter a critically imperative phase in our lives, our opportunities are endless, the world is at our feet. No one can tell us that we can’t become what we wish. We alone have the power to pursue what we exemplify to be greatness.
...ows that we have come a long way. But despite this, we can’t erase the fact that our country once was segregated and treated those of different races inequitably.
When I was young, I didn’t see race as much of an issue. It never posed a problem until middle school. When we began standardized testing, I could never identify as just black, and my mom couldn’t be considered white. Mixed was never an option. Friendships were no longer based on who you had the most fun with, but on your
Good evening my fellow Americans. I stand here today to talk a very serious topic. The American dream. America, my great America we are unfortunately falling apart.
For example, racsist aspects of society were dramatically changed such as the overturning of the Jim Crow laws and more diversified country; ”In response to criticisms that educational institutions perpetuated racial biases, educators at all levels, from grade schools to universities, revised curricula to incorporate the histories and cultures of diverse Americans”(Alvah, 2003, p. 205). Although racism is not legal it is highly frowned upon today. Examples such as this and many others which were not laws have still changed society for the better. Furthermore, steps have been taken to rewrite wring doings and enourge more African AMericans in the U.S, “Many predominantly white institutions of higher education have made efforts to recruit more non-white students and faculty through programs such as affirmative action”(Alvah, 2003, p. 206). By encourgaing events ike this we are creating the baselne for a new society for which future generations will know. This society will be more acceprting and not repeat the mistakes of the past. The sifnificane by which
Change is a word that I have constantly heard throughout my high school years. It is a transformation through which everyone goes whether it's for the better or for the worse. For me the meaning and value of change has helped me to focus on the goals I have to accomplish. For others, it is simply just a phase we go through. All of us here have been able to learn and develop from our changes to be come a better and successful person.
A long time ago in what seems like another lifetime, we were once little children watching the blinking TV while we sat eating Mac and Cheese without a care in the world. So much time has passed since then, how quickly time flies. Now, instead of walking to the bus for our first day of kindergarten, we are walking across this stage for our diplomas - I think everyone will agree that it's all about time.
Class of 2012, as we sit here this evening, I would like you to take a look at the classmates sitting around you. Many students have given countless hours of time, energy, and passion to worthy cuases that they have been a part of throughout high school. However, those aren't the only students deserving of recognition this evening. We have students here tonight, who have taken a stand for what they believe in, not even hesitating to compromise their reputations.
Now that we have explored my past, present, and future experiences with diversity, it is time to see how they are present within and effect each other. Firstly, let’s look into how my future is present in my past. The most obvious portion of my future that is in my past is my willingness and efforts to love and include everyone and to spread this world view. It took a fellow classmate of mine to demonstrate to my third grade self that we are all human beings and we all deserve to be treated as such. In my future, I aspire to demonstrate this world view to my students and inspire them to treat each other accordingly. This aspiration directly reflects my world view struggles I went through in third grade, for I want to help my students come to
To begin something new, you must sacrifice something old. To enter the real world, you must graduate your childhood.
Good evening parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and friends. I would like to thank you all for coming to this very special day. I know how proud you must be. As we have grown over the years, there are many stages we all have gone through. From learning our shapes and colors, to getting our first kiss in middle school, or how about explaining to our parents why we skipped school because the principal called home. As we remember these days, things that we've done will be with us forever. But this is only the start of our journey. The day has come where we say goodbye to the big yellow buses, assemblies, assigned seating, and attendance policies. Are you really gonna miss it? For some of us maybe not right away. But eventually we will so for us to be here it is not necessarily an achievement, but a privilege. All of us have been in school over half our lives. To graduate is one more step we've taken in our lives.
I can look forward to it and manage my expectations but happens when something gets in the way? I will never have the answer to “What is the meaning of life?”—but I will have the ability to try. There is a reason why I’m always soul searching to become a better me. It’s because the best me hasn’t happened yet. I will never be the best version of myself but I am always a work in progress trying to reach the ultimate goal. Life isn’t about being successful and leaving your “mark on the world.” Maybe life is about leaving a shadow so one can follow in. Maybe that’s why we’re all here—to try and make it easier for the people to come. My fulfilling life hasn’t been fulfilled yet—the best is yet to
... that you can be each day that goes by. Personal excellence is not an intention; it is a way of living, a religion, something you eat, drink and breathe, something ingrained deep within your soul. Excelling is not about searching for excuses to show things can’t get done. It’s about caring more than others think is wise; risking more than others think is safe; dreaming more than others think is practical and expecting more than others think is possible. Excellence is not a skill, it’s an attitude; it is not an act, but a habit.