WMHS Class of 2011 Graduation Speech | Elizabeth Barr, Class Essayist

[The following is the text of the speech given by Class of 2011 Essayist Elizabeth Barr at Wakefield Memorial High School's Class of 2011 Graduation ceremony held on June 4, 2011.]

Class Essayist Speech
Good Morning! I hope all of you and your families are enjoying this day that we will remember for the rest of our lives. Before I start, I have to ask you all a question: “If you had one shot, or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted, in one moment, would you capture it? Or just let it slip?” I have to be honest, I didn’t come up with this query; a little-known rapper named Marshall Bruce Mathers III did. However, I think it is the perfect question for all of us to ask ourselves at this pivotal time in out lives. As we gather here today to mark the official end of our childhood years, the entire world is open to us. We have almost every opportunity at our fingertips. I say this from a place of regret. When I entered Wakefield High, I had the chance to join lots of teams and get involved, but I was too shy to put myself out there. As much as I wish that things were different, I learned from those experiences that I should always take every chance I get, even if there is a chance I could fail. When I look out now at my fellow classmates, soon-to-be fellow graduates, I see a gathering of people with hopes and aspirations and, most of all, the chance to realize those dreams. This doesn’t mean that everything we want will magically be given to us by a fairy godmother. And we don’t need that fairy godmother anyway.  We can realize our dreams because we are young, we are smart, and we are capable.

I honestly believe that the greatest gift we have been given is the world of opportunity paved by the actions of those who went before us. But our gift of youth is only temporary, and one day, decades from now, we will look at our yearbooks and think of those times when the entire world was open to us. Let’s make sure that we take advantage of those opportunities we are lucky enough to have. Getting back to the quotation, Eminem asks if you had that one chance, would you go after what you want, or would you just sit back. In the current economic times, working hard and seizing every opportunity are essential for success. We cannot afford to clam up and let opportunities pass us by. We may only have certain chances once and when they’re gone, we can’t get them back. This is it. The decisions we make now and over the next few years will impact the rest of our lives. Don’t let a great shot slip out of your hands. In the words of Taylor Swift I urge you “In this moment now / Capture it, Remember it.” Take that difficult class. Go after that job or internship. Do something you know is difficult but is what you really want. We all know that doing so is worth it in the end.  We reach this time in our lives only once. Don’t find yourself at forty-five wishing that you had seized that one great opportunity everyone gets once in his or her lifetime.

Speaking of opportunities, I’d like to take this opportunity to mention some people who have really impacted me during these past four years. Firstly, Dr. Smith for all the time and care she puts into our school; Mr. O’Leary and Ms. Farrar for always being there when we need them; Mrs. Curley, Mrs. Passerini, Mrs. O’Keefe, and Mrs. DeFeo for always being extremely helpful and kind; Mrs. Blois, Mrs. Collins, Mr. Robertson and the entire guidance team for always being there to listen and lead us through these past four years; Mr. Mark Alexander for all he does for the Recycling Committee and our quest to save the world; and Ms. Lopez leading me and my fellow recyclers through all our endeavors. On a personal note, to my Aunt: you are the most fabulous “39-year-old” in the room. To my grandparents: I am so grateful for all the love and support you have given me my entire life. Finally, to my mom, I want to tell you that I love you so much and I appreciate every sacrifice you have made so that I can be here right now.

I wish each and every one of my fellow graduates the absolute best in life and I remind you to take that one shot. Congratulations to the Class of 2011!