San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Like diamonds, this time under pressure made us stronger
throughout the rest of our lives.
Regardless of which path is taken, the journey is the same. The door to endless opportunities has finally been opened. And it is time for us to step through it and find the path that suits us.
However difficult our journeys may be, the fact that you are sitting here today proves that you are more than capable enough of overcoming adversities. This unfortunate situation that we have been put in is a unique opportunity to lead by example and show that we are the class that cannot be stopped.
If there is ever a time that you find your spirits are low and you are burdened by the weight of life, just remember that you are a Titan, and you are strong. Just like the chemical element carbon can become a diamond, under enough pressure we, too, can become something great. All of you here are capable of tremendous feats and success, and moments like tonight are proof of this.
This defining moment that showcases our success has not come easily. It has taken a lot of hard work, a lot of commitment and many mistakes. But most importantly, it has taken a lot of help from others. Let’s not forget those who have guided and motivated us along this path to success.
I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge and thank everyone who has helped us learn and grow throughout our lives. To our parents and guardians who have helped bring us up in this world even when it pushed us back down. To our friends and family who have kept us smiling and motivated even in our darkest moments. To our hardworking teachers who have taught us the importance of an education. And to the school staff and faculty who’ve provided us this opportunity to learn and graduate, even in a pandemic.
With that being said, I also would like to thank a few people of my own. I would like to thank all of my friends and family for helping me to get this far. Especially my mom, who has been my biggest rock and supporter my entire life. Also, special thanks to Ms. Arnold for seeing potential in me and being an amazing teacher and friend. Finally, I’d also like to give a shoutout to my brother Ian, who is unable to be here tonight. He just graduated Marine basic training in San Diego, California, and because of the current situation, we could not see him graduate.
To everyone who has helped us to get this far, you have our deepest gratitude and we will never forget what you’ve helped us to become.
We began our journey here at Southwest Legacy as sophomores, nervous but excited to see what this new school had to offer us. Junior year was a bit different. We finally found our footing and a place to fit. Finally, our senior year came along. I know we were told that senior year was supposed to fly by, I just didn’t realize it would Zoom.
We started off overjoyed and with high hopes. Excited for all the things to come, but instead were cheated. We lost out on so many important events that are every senior’s fundamental right.
We lost prom, our senior walk and, the most heartbreaking, one of our own.
Despite all the things we lost, one thing we will never lose sight of is hope. Now, these last three months were supposed to be our best. But we were thrown into a tunnel of darkness. Lost, confused, angry.
You might have been asking yourself where the light at the end of the tunnel is. I know, because I was wondering the same thing. After some time to think and after being here tonight with all of you, I’ve finally found it.
We are the light at the end of the tunnel. We are the hope that everyone has been looking for. Much like the piercing laser shining in the sky at night, we are the brightness in the future.
We may not be the first graduating class here at Southwest Legacy, but we are for sure the first graduating class to embrace the monumental challenges that have been set before us. And we serve as a beacon of hope for others. So let’s not remember this year as the one when people hoarded toilet paper or lost their sanity stuck at home, but one where we thrived, had hope and stayed united.
We are the Class of 2020, and we will not be stopped. I wish you all the very best of luck. Thank you!