[0:13] - Today's graduation and I am feeling wistful. [0:17] I am looking at these people around me [0:19] and feeling so glad they're able to graduate alongside me. [0:21] - Finally gonna say thank you to my parents for the support. [0:27] - I am personally nerve wracked, yet excited [0:30] for the possibilities for the future [0:31] 'cause I've been waiting for this day for a long time. [0:34] - This is an experience that everyone looks forward to, [0:37] so the excitement is very high, full of anxiety [0:41] and I'm glad to be here today. [0:43] I'm feeling nerves, [0:44] - But overall I'm feeling really excited [0:47] and just ready. I'm ready. [0:49] - I'm feeling good, well accomplished. [0:51] A little nervous, but overall really good. [0:54] We've grown, adapted, [0:56] and we've proven that we're not just ready [0:58] for change. We welcome it. [1:00] - I've been nervous. This has been a long time coming. [1:02] I was originally supposed to graduate in 2018, [1:06] Fought to get to where I am today. [1:10] - Shout to my friends that have my back. [1:13] My Anthony, my mom, Britney [1:17] and yeah, to myself for getting it done. [1:20] - My cousins, they made sure I got my work done [1:24] and like pushed me to finish. [1:27] I'm a first generation high school graduate, [1:29] so I'm up here making my parents proud. [1:32] They pushed me through, [1:33] they motivated me through everything. [1:35] Even when it got really hard, they still motivated me [1:38] and they were my rock throughout everything. [1:40] I've been through a very rough patch in my life. [1:42] So for me to finally get this diploma, [1:45] you know, I'm gonna act [1:46] - A little out. [1:47] I've achieved something that I always wanted to achieve. [1:49] and to next generation of RTC. [1:54] If you have a goal, achieve it. [1:55] If you have a dream, achieve it. [2:02] - After high school, I'd be going to St. [2:03] Olaf College for chemistry. [2:06] My ultimate goal is to do research [2:07] and chemistry to at least help one person, [2:10] be it save their lives, or just make their lives even. [2:12] Just a little bit more convenient. [2:13] - Currently I'm deciding between the University [2:15] of Southern California and Boston University. [2:18] I will be, be a pre-med student majoring in biology, [2:21] and I plan to become a surgeon. [2:23] - I'm looking to go into the recovery field of talking [2:26] to addicts and letting them know that there is a way out [2:29] and that we're all worth something [2:31] and might as well find it. [2:34] - Always remember that your voice [2:36] matters, your story matters. [2:38] I wish for you unwavering confidence [2:40] and relentless courage to trust yourself [2:44] and to listen to your voice as you use it [2:47] to make the world a better place. [2:50] Each student has walked their own unique road [2:53] and that road that's forward is also unique [2:56] and I, I want them to be confident and competent [2:58] and joyful in what they do [3:00] and recognize that they can do anything they set their mind [3:03] to as long as they trust themselves [3:05] and have a lot of amazing people around them [3:07] to support them.