S OUTHWEST H IGH S CHOOL

Good afternoon Southwest community: Class of 2023, friends, family, and staff, thank you all for joining us on this memorable day. I remember dreaming of this day since kindergarten at Southwest Elementary. At this time, I had just made a time capsule, and I couldn’t open it for another 13 years… after graduation. Even though it’s something small, this has always been in the back of mind, keeping me motivated and driven. As I continued elementary, competing with friends at math flashcards, playing freeze tag with my friends on the playground, and reading every Bluebonnet book I could get my hands on; through all of these years, my goal stayed fresh in my mind.

Middle school was a unique change; it was during these years that I met new people and finally was able to discover my passion for sports and music. In these school walls, there was an abundance of teachers to learn from; I encountered challenging life lessons; and finally, these were the years I started to form my own opinions and embrace diversity. Entering high school was another journey on its own, as we all know. I have made vital connections with people that are now forever in my support group, the necessary growth of my adolescence. Despite the hectic schedules, like staying till 10pm for football games and waking up early for events, or working till 2am on Burger’s essays, we had to find the things that bring happiness and purpose. What helped me through the difficult times was finding something to look forward to and taking time to enjoy the moment or celebrate an accomplishment. It is so important that in difficult times, we remember what our light is. With that being said, I’d like to take a moment for y’all to think about what brings you joy? Now hold onto that thought. No matter its significance– use it as your drive as we go through our different stages, changing as people. Growing up, we tend to want to throw ourselves into an overtly serious mindset and attitude because that’s what we think growing up and becoming an adult entails; but, we need to allow these precious thoughts and joyful memories to be with us and allow us to keep moving through life’s chaotic hurdles. My personal goals and awards are important to me, like that time capsule: a self-accomplishment that only I could achieve, starting from when I was 5 years old.

So what I brought to share with all of you today is that time capsule I made as a kindergartner at Southwest Elementary and will now open it for the first time in thirteen years.

For a second, I was contemplating if I should really open this capsule in front of everyone, just because it may be silly or wouldn’t seem important. But then I realized that this represents my youth, passion, dreams, energy, and joy. Such things that people give up on or forget while heading into the future. So….

Every one of us in this building has been anticipating a moment as special as this.

We have been waiting to open our own time capsule, whether that may be walking this stage, saving up for a new car, finally going on that vacation, or even taking a day for yourself; these remarkable moments enrich our lives. Without these moments, life can get challenging and hit you when you least expect it, but it’s these times, like right now, that keep you motivated, no matter how small.

So, continue to lean back on your joyful memories and allow them to keep you grounded and determined to tackle any obstacles life brings. I wish the class of ‘23 happiness and success. Love y’all!

Bethanny Sczepanik