MAXWELL SHEDD

Queen Elizabeth High School

I can’t help but remember my first days of school 12 years ago. My mom would read to me the Dr. Seuss book, Oh the Places You’ll Go, before I went to bed. “Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away!” That’s how I imagine the beginning of many of our journeys. Full of optimism and wonder for what our lives had in store . ... And now, in the marathon that is life, we have finally finished our warm-up knowing what we know, eagerly anticipating the: “Ready, set, go!”

... Our race has been cut short before it’s even begun. Instead of being able to spend the last few weeks of high school together, we’ve been drafted to our homes equipped with only the memories of what once was, and what could’ve been . ... However, we can’t get stuck in the melancholy feelings of what could’ve been.

So far, every challenge we faced, we have faced together, and this one is no different. So, as we set off on the unforeseen and ever-changing journey of life, let us proceed with courage and vigour. Let us find the mountains that stand in our path, and set out to conquer them. Focused on the trail in front of us. Step by step, minute by minute, we will push on. And when finally together we stand at the top, we can look down and remember every step we took to reach the peak ...

Although it may seem that we are setting out on this mountain alone, I find comfort in knowing that our paths are bound to cross as we set out to the peak. And when I look back on the good old glory days of high school, I won’t first remember a pandemic, but rather a chilled air and vibrant sunrise outlining a school filled with everlasting memories.

So as this chapter in our life comes to a close and a new one is opened, let us be remembered as the graduating class that stood bravely in the face of adversity. Let us be the sprouting seeds of opportunity in a burned-down forest. And, ultimately, let us not be remembered for the hardships we endured, but rather the bright future we will create.

And so to the graduating class of 2020, “You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So ... Get on your way!”