Our Time: A graduation speech by yours truly.

So here it is folks... I spent a lot of time and effort on this speech and when it comes down to it, I'm really proud of what I did and how I presented myself. The way things turned out wasn't in my favor necessarily.... but I think this was a good learning experience. Sometimes, no matter how much you prepare yourself, or practice, or try... you're just not what a group is looking for. And that's life... and it's really just the way it is. I'm glad for Ritza and Thomas & Kelsey.. they'll both do great and the class will enjoy their speeches. But I'd like it if this was read... because I didn't just write it for myself.. I wrote it for people to hear because the lessons are important ones.


Today is our time. We woke up this morning knowing that after today our tomorrows would never be the same. And for one last time, despite our differences, we are united to celebrate our accomplishments. So thank you family, friends, teachers, and administrators, for gathering here today in honor of Atholton High School’s graduating class of 2005.

Every generation has their time and leaves their impression. Our grandparent’s endured the financial crisis of the Great Depression, a horrible world war, and a racial holocaust. Our parent’s brought on a time of great change in our nation. Their generation fought for women’s rights, put an end to racial segregation, and promoted religious acceptance.

And now we have reached the summit, the turning point in our lives when we ask ourselves, “What will we do now that it is our time?”

We have the capability to do something…anything!… And we have the real chance to make a difference. Those who came before us chose to make a difference in our lives, chose to affect us, and nurture us.

Our parents and guardians embraced a milestone when they welcomed us into this world of possibilities. They watched us everyday as we grew further from their caring hold and closer to our own individuality. When we entered school, it was our teachers, and counselors, and administrators who were there for us, dedicating their lives toward educating and guiding us.

And here we are… We’re ready. Ready to explore the countless new times that await us.

We are not necessarily alone on our journeys. Because while we have our own dreams and aspirations and while we are all on our own paths, we have friends who encourage that which we are becoming, and share with us the times of our youth and unforgettable experiences.

But living in today’s world is not always easy. Globally, we are at war. Nationally, we are divided. And individually, we each face our own personal pressures and expectations.

So now more than ever really is our time and our chance to face the current obstacles and to leave our impression on this world.

We must discover and embrace who we are…and find what it is that we believe in. We must respect and value ourselves and others.

We may not all be leaders, but we can all get involved.

And in a time so uncertain… We must have courage. Courage to march into our next chapter. Courage to speak out against something we believe is unjust. Courage to do what is right even if it isn’t popular. Courage to be optimistic in the face of an often adverse world. And courage to accept each other’s differences.

Congratulations Class of 2005 …. Today we can each applaud ourselves for our academic and extracurricular accomplishments. But let it not end here. Every day we must be able to applaud ourselves for our deeds and for our actions. Because today is only the beginning of our time.




Alright, the speech is more effective spoken out loud... But I believe every word that I wrote... and not only do I believe them, I live by them. I hope that by posting this here, perhaps someone will read this and be affected in a positive way.

life is good. and my goal every day is to make sure I don't forget it.

Peace-Rach