Taimur Rehan’s Graduation Speech at Canyon Crest Academy

Taimur Rehan gave this speech June 14, 2013, at Canyon Crest Academy commencement.

Good afternoon, honored guests, teachers, staff, administration, family friends, my little brother (’Sup, kid?) and of course, you guys—Canyon Crest Academy’s Class of 2013.

So, 2013. Thirteen is an unusual number. It’s unlucky, right? Back in Mr. Shay’s class, I got number 13, and I (kinda maybe) whined about it, and I guess word got out in the teacher’s lounge because I got seat 13 in literally every class that numbered their desks. Some teachers enjoyed watching me squirm. 

So yeah, me and 13 go waaay back (excuse me, 13 and I—I see the English department shaking their heads). Our class is definitely special; we got some killer API scores and athletics accomplishments on top of that—something about winning CIFs or something. Well, speaking of athletics, I’d like to give a shout-out to the cross-country and the track team—you guys are awesome. That’s the impression that I got anyway; I only went to two practices. 

Back on topic. 2013 isn’t all just fun and games; no, 13 has a serious and darker side. When you check the news in the morning, or listen to the radio, sometimes I think: ”Yeah, this is definitely not a ‘lucky’ time for the world we live in; for our country, for our environment, or for the generations that will come after us.”

Countries are at war, prejudice and stereotypes are around every corner, and governments oppress the very people they should be protecting. Entire nations of innocent people live in fear, and young women and children are attacked simply for going to school, and for trying to get the same life skills that we have received here.

So what does that mean for you and I, who are high-schoolers no longer? We are the lucky ones of 2013. We have completed that stage of education that so many others consider themselves fortunate to reach. That means that the world we live in, the world we have lived in, is now open to us. It is in front of us; the world is in our grasp. And it waits for us, the lucky ones, to change it.

It seems like a lot to ask from a bunch of 17- and 18-year-olds, but I truly believe—no, I KNOW—that you all can and will change this world. I know this because you changed mine. 

Those of you who knew me from that tiny private middle school in Encinitas may have noticed that I’ve changed a lot since coming here. A shy awkward little kid turned into a super-talkative, dashingly handsome, modest young man; this place does wonders! But in all seriousness, Canyon Crest Academy is an amazing place with amazing people and I am truly and forever grateful that I got to meet you. 

Oh! Would you look at the time! As much as I’d love to thank each and every single one of my peers and predecessors and ancestors, we must keep this quick—so let’s just have a round of applause for our wonderful teachers and mentors, and especially for Mr. Brian Kohn, who made this school two cuts above the rest—we will me miss you dearly. And finally, one for you guys: CCA’s Class of 2013! Thank you! Stay weird, and stay you, CCA!

To see photos and read more about Canyon Crest Academy's 2013 commencement, Read ‘We’re the Lucky Ones,’ Grad Tells Canyon Crest Academy Class of ’13.