Welcome everyone: parents, friends, faculty, staff, and most importantly, Class of 2017. Well today is finally the day. I’m sure you’ve been staring at that cap and gown you had sitting in your closet for a few days, anxiously waiting for today. Well, it’s here. Take a look around you. Looking at each face, our differences may be apparent. It’s true, we really are different from each other on most days. We come from different backgrounds, yet today we are more similar than ever. That’s why we’re here, today, as the Class of 2017. “I believe that you’re here on earth for a short time, and while you’re here,you shouldn't forget it.” By Bea Arthur. All of us came from different backgrounds and yet brings us together no matter what the obstacles.
…show more content…
If things had gone differently, I would never have been born. Like a surprising number in our community, I am the descendent of Holocaust survivors. My great grandparents sought refuge in the United States, leaving Austria and landing in New York City with not much more than the clothes on their backs. But these circumstances did not stop them. After creating and running their small neighborhood market, my great grandparents raised 5 children, including one of the most influential figures in my life: my …show more content…
She only saw one way fit to achieve these goals: hard work. So, that’s what she did.
As a side note, you probably notice that struggle and hard work is a common theme in not only Emily’s story and my story, but in many success stories. Just something to keep in mind Class of 2017.
Tangent aside, my grandmother eventually achieved her goals, despite how long each took. Take higher education for example. Despite being her high school’s valedictorian, my grandmother married young, became a mother, and worked as a doctor’s assistant before starting college. Years later, at 75 years old, she received her degree with honors. I remember her accomplishments every time I struggle or believe it is too late to achieve something. As my grandmother taught me, it’s never too late. Although my grandmother influenced me significantly, her stories are a fragment of my background. Can you recall the figures who shaped you? Multiple people come to mind, right? All different from mine I
If things had gone differently, I would never have been born. Like a surprising number in our community, I am the descendent of Holocaust survivors. My great grandparents sought refuge in the United States, leaving Austria and landing in New York City with not much more than the clothes on their backs. But these circumstances did not stop them. After creating and running their small neighborhood market, my great grandparents raised 5 children, including one of the most influential figures in my life: my …show more content…
She only saw one way fit to achieve these goals: hard work. So, that’s what she did.
As a side note, you probably notice that struggle and hard work is a common theme in not only Emily’s story and my story, but in many success stories. Just something to keep in mind Class of 2017.
Tangent aside, my grandmother eventually achieved her goals, despite how long each took. Take higher education for example. Despite being her high school’s valedictorian, my grandmother married young, became a mother, and worked as a doctor’s assistant before starting college. Years later, at 75 years old, she received her degree with honors. I remember her accomplishments every time I struggle or believe it is too late to achieve something. As my grandmother taught me, it’s never too late. Although my grandmother influenced me significantly, her stories are a fragment of my background. Can you recall the figures who shaped you? Multiple people come to mind, right? All different from mine I