So when try outs for graduation speakers were announced I didn't think at all about it. Weeks went by and for some reason the night before you had to turn in your speech for graduation, I decided it would be a good idea to go for it. I stayed up until 1am trying to spit something out, something that I really wanted to say to my graduating class. And with a little help from my awesome sister Emily proof reading my terrible grammar this is what came out.
Welcome Parents, faculty, administrators, family’s, friends and of course the west high class of 2005. We are here today to celebrate the lives of about 500 soon to be high school graduates. And these past four years have been memorable with emotional highs and lows. Weather it was staying up late studying for the big chem Final or in the anticipation of the big game. It’s been a great ride, one that we will never forget. Seniors I am here to tell you that graduation is not merely the end of high school but the beginning of a new life beyond the chain link fences at west high. And with beginning comes a fresh slate to become whomever you’ve always dreamed of becoming, to achieve ultimate success. The three-car garage six figure salary, spouse and 2.5 kids sound great. But that is not real success. I am here to tell you that success is not measured by the size of your wallet nor the size of your house. As John Wooden stated “success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.” Real success is attainable only through hard work and perseverance. And I have no doubt in my mind that it is possible for each and every one of us to achieve this success. And although you may here a lot today about you and reaching that success by yourself, Get ready because what I’m about to say will come as a shock. YOU CANNOT SUCCEED. That’s right you heard me. On your own as an individual you are not capable of realized your full potential. Trust me, I learned this lesson the hard.
I grew up in the west Torrance area and dreamed of stepping on the west high field to play warrior football. However, I came to West a 5’5 scrawny 125-pound freshmen. Given my size it was unlikely that I would succeed in receiving playing time much less realize my dreams of gridiron glory. After a playing a total of 2 games my entire first season I was ready to give up. But the coaching staff and my friends encouraged me to come back and play the next year. I worked hard all summer and returned to start all year as sophomore on JV. After a high ankle sprain cut short my promising junior season, I was ready to give up, once again. But once again my family and my teammates were not about to watch me let go of my dreams of playing varsity football. I hit the weight room all summer and pushed myself out of bed everyday to exercise. By the beginning of September after suffering through two grueling weeks of preseason training, I had reached my goal. I started both on offense and on defense for the west varsity football team. Okay now brace yourself, because what I’m about to say is hard to hear hard to understand and even harder to implement. But it hold true weather you want to hear it or not. You’re not going to be able to achieve your goals on your own. So know that it’s okay to lean on others for help. When life has you at your wits end don’t be afraid to rely on someone else. Weather it’s a family member mentor partner or just a friend, lean on them when times get hard. You were not meant to travel through life alone and everyone needs a helping hand at one time or another. The personal success that I obtained in football and that we all crave in life cannot be achieved without the help from others. You cannot do everything yourself and trying to do so we’ll make it impossible for you to achieve the success that you deserve. Class of 2005 do not sell yourself short. Achieve the success you are capable of, Go now beyond the Big Warrior “W” and the front office building up front and pave path that is unique, one unlike any other. Just remember to ask fro a little help along the way. Congratulations seniors we did it!
( I just typed this out last night because I couldn't find the original document and I had to watch it on video and type it out, so there are for sure some grammar errors Emily needs to correct ) :)
What I really was trying to say is that you need to lean on God. But you aren't exactly allowed to say that in a public school setting, but I did the best I could. After the graduation ceremony my next door neighbor Lindsey gave me a graduation card, in it she wrote " Kevin, I really enjoyed your speech. I know that you meant we need God to succeed in our lives, and we can't do it without him" I hadn't told her at all what I was really trying to say. But thank the Lord one person got the hidden meaning.
Proverbs 3:5 " Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" - Amen
