Trilogy: 3. Valediction

[These are three writings from my senior year in high school. They are still so relevant in my life today, and I thought my readers would like to see them also.]


III. Valediction

Fellow classmates, friends, parents, and teachers: I am proud to be standing here before you today as valedictorian of the graduating class of 1994 of Northwest Guilford High School. This has been my goal since the eighth grade, and only by years of hard work, perseverance, planning, sacrifice, and constant struggling was I able to reach my goal. The path to making one's dreams come true is never easy, but only those who try their best and never quit are able to be called truly successful in life.

Class of 1994, we stand now at a critical place in history. It is our generation which will shape the world that is now entering a new millennium. Each of you must be willing to work to make the world a better place for all of mankind, and for all of God's creation. Are each of you ready to accept that challenge today?

Everyone here today has something to offer the world. God has equipped each of you with special gifts that, if you choose to make the most of, will help you to find your niche in the world, and will assure you success. Your success cannot be measured by others and does not have to mean that you must have a high-paying job and many possessions. Rather you must measure your own success by the happiness and fulfillment that you get not only from your job, but from your lifestyle. There are several things that I have found important to remember while seeking success, many of which I learned the hard way.

*ALWAYS FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS. Realize that your dreams will be different from everyone else's here today, because we each have different interests, ideals, talents, and ambitions. Find a way to strive towards your personal goals in each step that you take in the journey of life. But remember that one person cannot do everything. Pick a few things that you want to change in the world, and concentrate on those.

*NEVER FEAR, AND NEVER QUIT. Your dreams will not come true by themselves, and the longer you wait, the more uncertain your success becomes. Arm yourself with knowledge of what you face, a plan of what you will do, excitement to see you through, and a belief that you can do anything you put your mind to. Don't stop in the middle and wonder if you will make it, for that lets in fear, which will be a stumbling block in your path. If you fall short of a goal, you have only yourself to blame.

*CREATE A BALANCED LIFE FOR YOURSELF. If you spend all your energy on one thing, you will become burnt out and will neglect other parts of your being. Make time for everything that is important to you, including family, friends, and hobbies.

*TURN FAILURE INTO SUCCESS. Acknowledge that no one is perfect, and that sometimes you will make mistakes. Think of your mistakes as learning experiences, then accept the past and move on. Only those who never try make no mistakes.

* SHARE YOUR PAIN. Life is never easy, and everyone has their share of heartaches. Do not try to bear the weight of all your problems by yourself. If you find yourself down and depressed, share your feelings with a supportive friend. Often knowing that someone is there on your side is enough to give you strength to carry on.

*RESPECT OTHERS. Being the best at something does not mean that you are any better than anyone else. Remember that everyone has worth, as well as their share of problems that they must deal with. Give people second, third, and fourth chances and forgive petty slights. Treat others with respect and they will respect you.

*BE A FRIEND. A friend is someone who accepts you as you are but helps you become a better person. A friend is someone who never lets you quit. A friend is someone who helps you through life's problems. When you sense that someone is having a tough time, offer your support but don't push for details. When they are ready to talk, they will come to you. Be ready to listen. Remember that you can never truly understand another's pain. Offer advice if asked, but do not be offended if it is not taken.

*BE A SMILER. Show others that you are happy to see them with a warm, genuine, smile. A smile is a simple gift that can often be the day-brightener someone desperately needs.

*BE TRUE TO YOURSELF. Do not deny others the chance to get to know what a neat person you really are. Be creative without being self-conscious. Do not agree with someone's opinion just because you are trying to impress them. Others will see you as a secure individual and will naturally follow your lead.

*LIVE YOUR LIFE IN ACCORDANCE TO YOUR VALUES. Be honest in any relationship. Stand up for what you believe in, and speak out when justice is not served.

*ABOVE ALL, THINK FOR YOURSELF. Only you can live your life, and only you care about your dreams. Listen to others' advice, but decide what is right for you. Question society's attitudes if you feel that they are faulty, and do something to change them. One voice is all that is needed to revolutionize the world. If you find yourself sitting on the sidelines and waiting for someone else to speak out, you are wasting the precious time that God has given you here on earth. Remember, as you begin your journey in life, that you are no better than anyone else, but that there is no one better than you.

The world starts now. Congratulations and God bless every one of you.

Thank you.