Mahnur’s Salutatorian Speech

https://youtu.be/wwyNhIEsE9c, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwyNhIEsE9c&feature=youtu.be

Mahnur Hossain : Good morning Ms.Colon, Mr.McDowell, Ms.Bracey, as well as the other staff members, parents, and the students. Thank you all for attending this ceremony. As you all know, the Class of 2016 is now graduating and want to say congratulations to each one of my pears. All their hard work and determination had led them to succeed. Right now they have succeeded.

When I first wrote this speech, or actually tried to, I kept writing and madly crumpling up my paper and throwing it into to the garbage can, well around it anyway. I had so many thoughts but for some reason I couldn’t write anything. I realized that I had writer’s block. Do I tell my story of when I came to America? Do I tell everyone of the great memories here in P.S. 72x? I wasn’t even sure I could make it out alive after telling my speech. But one thing for sure, I wanted to make a difference in this school. Then I thought I could make a difference by telling this speech and encourage everyone in trying their best and never giving up. I don’t want to make this speech boring, I want it to have a bit excitement and inspire everyone. I know all of you guys are different, unique, special, and talented. I know that all of you have accomplished something today, and I hope you all know that.

Today is such a special day to all the graduating students in P.S. 72x. First graduating elementary school, then suddenly you’re graduating college. Additionally, every graduate’s decision of their future careers counts on them. It has to come from the heart. It doesn’t matter of the payment, but as long as they have a passion for it and want to persevere. I haven’t made my decision of which career I really want yet but I want to work for it. Having patience and ignoring the doubters let’s you succeed and make a difference.

Honestly, as I look at each one of you, I realize I will miss a lot of you guys. I remember all the wonderful times we had and I hope you will remember me. I hope a lot of my teachers will remember me ‘cause I’ll remember you too. Teachers like Ms.Joyce have helped me and do my very best. I just know that you’re new students will almost like you as much as I did. I know that not everyone of us can be wealthy, have great fame, and power, but each one of you can make a difference, speak out, and be a leader. It’s your job to make the world a better place. I know that all of your futures will be as bright as the shining sun.

I understand that a lot of you complain about too much homework or the work given in class is too hard but all of you should know that being educated is one of the most important things in life. It helps you gain knowledge and helps you know how to use that knowledge. In Bangladesh (my country), you have to pay to go to school and not all people are rich. There are rarely any good and helpful teachers. School has taught you how to socialize and respect each other, as well as discipline and other life lessons. So thank you to all my teachers for helping me to succeed.

I would like to end my speech by reading out a quote from Teddy Roosevelt. “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” I encourage you all to speak out and let your voice be heard. If there is a problem, the worst thing you can do is do nothing about it. If you have a dream, do something about it. Life is empty without dreams or goals. I want you all to fight for what you believe in and follow your heart when making great decisions in life. Ever since I came to America when I was only three, I have learned great things. Thank you for all of your contributions. Thanks to all the families for raising these children, friends who have been there for them, and teachers who educate them. So congratulations to the Class of 2016. I wish you all the best futures. I will miss everyone dearly. Thank you again!

(Mahnur Hossain : Class 5-305, P.S. 72, Bronx, New York, USA, Graduation, June 24, 2016)