The Lessons of an Empty Seat: My Grad Speech/Introduction --- The Version that was Censored
I learned, what I believe to be, the most valuable lesson of my life this year; but it isn't the classroom lectures or hours of tedious homework that taught it to me. On November 27, I lost one of my best friends and the Northeast community lost a brilliant and amazing member in a tragic auto-accident.
It was so easy at the beginning of this year to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of senior life: applications, meetings, interviews, competitions, scholarships, college visits, graduation preparation, staying caught up in much more intensive academic schedules and staying involved in the things we like to do. Life became consumed with getting ready to graduate. Personally, as is custom for me, I put up my blinders and tried to focus on all I had to do. The time I had to spend with my friends dwindled daily and eventually I had only moments to devote to those I truly cared about. Justin approached me and requested that I focus a little more time on him, share my life and burdens a little, I told him "later, I'm just so busy." That conversation took place on a Monday afternoon, when I returned to school Tuesday morning after ignoring his calls the night before because "I had too much to do to talk," the seat next to me was empty. That seat, his seat, remained empty for 7 hours, in 4 classes, every day for the rest of the year.
Class of 2008, I had great plans of what I wanted to say to you today during the early months of school, things you have heard and probably will hear again, about changing the world for the better and being all you can be, but I decided to rather share one lesson, one thing that has made such a difference in my life. I took for granted possibly one of the most amazing people in my life, a real blessing, because I couldn't find the time, and though the knowledge I gained day to day in the classroom helped me pass the test, though the essays and applications I wrote helped me get the money to attend college, that knowledge will never help me think up, nor will the money ever let me buy another moment with my friend.
You might not remember the presidents and preamble from Mr. Gerig's class, or prepositions from Mrs. Schmidt's class twenty years down the road. The relationships in your life; those that support you, that you turn to to tell about your day and share a little of your life, those are the things you will remember forever. The journey you traveled is nothing without the companionship to create priceless memories along the way.
Decisions are about to come spiraling our way: new, exciting experiences. It will be so easy in the coming years to get sidetracked with the goals we have: becoming a doctor, scoring the winning goal, getting the part or finishing the masterpiece, but be wary of becoming so sidetracked that you forget to take notice and appreciate the things that make life worth living and encourage you day-to-day. Moments are fleeting. Live every second out to it's fullest potential and juice every drop of opportunity from life that you possibly can.
Class of 2008, it is said that "Nations will rise and fall. Wars will be lost and won. Lives will begin and end, but a true friend is eternal." Justin should be sitting here with us this evening, preparing to walk across the stage and start a new chapter in HIS life but the unexpected prevented that. He has taught me the most painful lesson of my life, and I will never forget it. I would like to pass it on to the rest of you: NEVER take your friends for granted, spend every moment with those you love that you can spare. Grab life by the horns and always do what you love, but don't become fixated on and spend all your time doing -things,- things will always be there when you wake up, make sure to save time for your loved-ones, the real things that make life worth living and don't forget to thank them and let them know the difference they have made in your life.
Loading...
Fantastic video...
Also, great grad speech - sorry to hear about Justin. I was part of Class of 2008 in an Irish school, and we too lost a friend to a car accident. His name was Derek.
Again, well done on the vid.
thewheelturns7 3 years ago
hell8unny
You can take my place...i'm a junior this year lol
livinxaxdream 3 years ago
ummm exscuse me... class of 09 is not worse than 08 but i love all of them... this was so good sarah... this is adon by the way... ive watched it 3 times! i will miss all of you guys 8 )
ShalomD123 3 years ago
I can't believe you guys are leaving me. =/ Your class is way better than mine (class of 09)
RevengeOfTheKaizer 3 years ago
*sigh* we're all grown up
BigEazyProductions 3 years ago
i dont want to leave. lol. i want to go back.
hell8unny 3 years ago