Graduation Speech

As I was looking for a graduation quote, I came across one that fits my life perfectly. "It's hard not to be afraid. Be less afraid." As we all get ready to leave Golf Middle School for high school, it is very hard not to be afraid. There are so many questions. "Will I get lost?" "Will I fit in?" "Will I still see my friends?" "Will I get good grades?" All these questions can build a lot of anxiety.
When I first came to Golf at the beginning of last year, I had a lot of the same questions and anxieties. I came from a tiny Catholic school with 17 total kids in my entire grade, most of which I had known since preschool. All of our parents volunteered at the school constantly, so they all knew each other and all our teachers. We didn't have to try to make friends. All we had ever known was each other. I came here very afraid. Afraid of being new. Afraid of what at the time felt like a ton of kids I didn't know. Afraid of making friends on my own. What I learned by coming to Golf is change can be very scary, but can also be great. I spent so much time beforehand being afraid, and from the moment I walked into my first RTI class I realized it was all going to be ok. In the last two years I have learned that I can make friends on my own. Friends that have changed my life in a great way. I have also found teachers that make learning fun and are willing to go out of their way to help if you just ask. We have had amazing times like Camp MacLean and Springfield. I never would have gotten the chance to experience that if I hadn't come here. I have found my place here by opening myself up, by being "less afraid".

As we move on to Niles North, we must all remember to be less afraid. Try new things, make new friends, hold on to the friends that are truly important, and most of all have fun. We only get one chance to go to high school. Let's make it great! Thank you!