2020-2021 Senior Speeches

It wasn’t easy, and at times it felt insurmountable, but I’ve survived. I’ve now been out to those close to me for almost two years now, and for all the pain, hardships, and weariness being trans has brought me, I wouldn’t take it back for the world.

I have learned that we all have obstacles and challenges to overcome. God doesn’t put obstacles in our way that we can’t overcome. When we get knocked down, we have to get right back up; just like my Uncle Dre always did.

Working in theatrical tech was fun until the pandemic started last spring. At first, we were not experiencing any issues but once we became acquainted, it seemed as if the tech crew would never be the same. Instead, it has opened up a new way to look at theatrical tech for me in that we can now have a lot more freedom when it comes to ideas such as our recent play, Clue.

I want to become something, go somewhere, do something. I don’t want to just sit around and complain, I want to change things. I don’t want to become a stubborn old man. I want to become the man my grandfather knew I can be.

I say challenge your superiors and your peers. Challenge me, I dare you. Most importantly challenge yourself. Do not regret years spent in mediocrity or disappointment.

I could go on forever but all of the lessons I learned and experiences I had these past four years have made me the person I am today. From this speech, I want to leave you with something my basketball coach, Coach Masson, ingrained in me. “Be comfortable being uncomfortable. When you are uncomfortable, that is when you grow the most. And when you grow as an individual, it will be always worth it at the end.”

So in summary, my time here has been a struggle, but it has also been a wonderful experience that I will never forget. I believe that we will all go through struggles, but to quote Jared Padelecki, I hope that you will “always keep fighting!”

As I try balancing schoolwork, the fear of losing my family home, friends who might not even remember me, and the trivial, yet significant, loss of all senior perks, I can remind myself that I am a survivor who will not be taken down by COVID, a riptide, or any other challenge life throws at me.

Hope has not faltered, but certainly is running away like the time in this year. It is surely a thing of beauty that after six and a half years of senior speeches you all are hearing this today no matter the current circumstances. As I like to say to everyone, keep your stick on the ice.

I now know that when there is a loss, growth is sure to come, and am grateful for the mistakes I have made and the boundaries I have overcome. I now have a desire to help others like I was helped. Overall, change is hard, but it makes you appreciate the finer moments and helps you avoid taking for granted the people who come into your life.