Embracing the unexpected journey and finding joy in it
Grads, it is our big weekend! My name is Daniel, and I am thrilled to be serving as your valedictorian this year. Having this role means the world to me. From my first day on campus to these final few weeks, I feel grateful knowing that this school has laid the foundation in helping me become the person I am today. I think this is true for much of this grad class. Seeing the amazing things each of us has accomplished is evidence of how much of an impact we have made here. Whether this is through getting involved, organizing fundraisers, welcoming new students, or being a friendly face on campus, there is so much for us to be proud of. We built an exceptional community here, and I can think of no better time than convocation to emphasize this. During our paths towards graduation, I think one of the most beautiful parts to remember is that each story is unique. Although I won’t reveal everything, I hope to focus on this throughout my speech!
We arrived at Mt.A with our own ideas, goals, questions, and concerns. Some of us had a plan, and some were unsure of what was to come. For myself, I felt pressure to do well in class, find friends, and feel content here. Things that feel natural today were stressful in my first year. It was up to me to learn how to let go of these worries and embrace the story ahead of me at Mt.A. This meant taking opportunities I did not expect, saying “yes” to spontaneous ideas, or putting myself out there no matter how difficult that was. This led me to find opportunities at The Argosy. I received an email saying that applications were open for reporting positions. Before I knew it, I got accepted and was writing on important political stories I cared about alongside a team that wanted our entire staff to succeed. Taking part in student media has shown me the importance of creative liberty and critical thinking. I cannot thank my team at The Argosy (past and present) for teaching me how to become a better writer, thinker, and person. As I leave the role as News Editor, I feel grateful to have learned the importance of letting go of expectations and trusting that the plan ahead would be better than I imagined. No matter our journey, we now get to cross the stage with a story to tell about our experience at Mt.A. Whether you swapped your major, got involved with a club you did not expect to love, or found future opportunities through Mt.A, we all built a little life here and get to celebrate this together. So sing and dance your heart out at parties, learn from the wise Mt.A alumni, and spend some time with your best friends. Wherever you are this weekend, be sure to make it memorable. This special day is one-of-a-kind, and I can’t wait to speak to you all today!