Graduation Speech Part One
Today isn't just about me. Sure, I'm the one getting all the attention with the gifts, congratulations, and my name on that diploma. But this day is about so much more. It's a celebration of all the people who came before me, who paved the way. It's about honoring their legacy, their sacrifices, and their unstoppable spirit.
As I stand here, I can't help but think of all the incredible individuals whose influence brought me to this moment. Some are no longer with us, while others are right here, sharing in this triumph. Today, we pay tribute to our parents, whose unwavering support and determination got us to this stage.
Let me share something that might surprise you - a quote from an anime called "Solo Leveling" that really hits home for me: "I am the record of your struggles, the evidence of your resistance, and the reward of your pain." Every step of my journey, every accomplishment, is a testament to the challenges my parents and others faced. I owe them everything.
But graduating today doesn't mean my learning is over. To quote Albert Einstein, "Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything learned in school." Learning isn't confined to classrooms; it's a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.
As I move forward, I'm reminded of a wise saying from Ging Freecss: "You should enjoy the little detours to the fullest. Because that’s where you’ll find things more important than what you want." Life's twists and turns offer valuable lessons and unexpected treasures. Let's embrace them as we carve our paths in this vast world.
Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey. Let's cherish this moment together and eagerly anticipate the adventures that lie ahead.
Graduation Speech Part Two
Today, instead of delivering a typical gratitude-filled graduation speech, I want to invite you into the depths of my personal journey.
I came into this world with a natural gift for athletics. From a young age, I was thrown into the world of sports, but the details of my earliest athletic endeavors have faded into the haze of memory. However, there's a moment that stands out vividly - a moment when I looked my father in the eye and declared, "I want to play basketball." It was a simple declaration, perhaps inspired by the spectacle of the Harlem Globetrotters on TV, yet it marked the beginning of a profound journey.
The basketball court became my sanctuary, my training ground, and my crucible. My father, a beacon of unwavering support, spared no effort in ensuring that I received the finest training available. From private coaching sessions to rigorous professional and collegiate workouts, every moment on the court was a testament to his dedication and my relentless pursuit of excellence. And it paid off. I was hailed as a prodigy, praised by referees, coaches, and spectators alike, but amidst the cheers and applause, a shadow lingered - the shadow of self-doubt.
Despite the accolades, I never truly believed in my own abilities. I felt like a puppet, going through the motions, mechanically executing plays, and counting down the minutes until I could retreat to the solace of my bed, only to rise again for another day of training. The day I confessed my discontent to my family was a reckoning, especially for my father. There were whispers that I was merely playing basketball to fulfill his dreams, but that couldn't be further from the truth.
Let me set the record straight: I continued playing not out of obligation, but out of respect for the lessons my father imparted. His commitment to service, his unwavering discipline, and his unyielding perseverance served as guiding lights in the darkest moments of my journey. He didn't demand my loyalty; he earned it through his actions, his sacrifices, and his unspoken faith in my potential.
And so, as I stand before you today, on the precipice of a new chapter in my life, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons learned and the strength gained from this turbulent journey. I've come to understand that true fulfillment isn't found in accolades or applause but in the pursuit of authenticity, in the courage to follow our hearts, even when it leads us down unexpected paths.
As we embark on our respective journeys, let us remember the power of self-discovery, the importance of staying true to ourselves, and the enduring influence of those who have shaped our lives. Let us forge ahead with unwavering determination, fueled by the knowledge that our truest victories are yet to come.
Thank you.
May 31, 2024