There weren't that many Koreans in my high school or in the surrounding area. In a class of 365, there were just 4. That's the kind of environment I grew up in. I think it helped me develop better English. (From left to right) Soo Kyung, Do Hyun, ME, and James.
My Valedictory Address
There were alot of people there, and it was a really memorable experience. I made some people cry, some people laugh, and it was just undescribable. Alot of my classmates didn't even know I was the valedictorian until graduation rolled around. They were just like, 'We're just glad it's not some nerd.' I guess I was the anti-valedictorian. Afterwards, a lot of the teachers and a few Board of Education officials told me that was the best speech they had ever heard a student give. It was just that kind of day.
Nothing comes without drama though. Prior to my address, the vice-principal tried to censor my speech. The nasty woman tried to tell me things like, 'You can't say certain things. Remember speaking at graduation is a privelege, not a right. We are allowing you to speak.' The version of my speech I got back was unrecognizable. That totally ticked me off, but I realized I wasn't going to get anywhere fighting it. After protesting for a bit, I changed my course of action. 'Yes, ma'am.' So I smiled, nodded, and acted like it was all good (I played that nice submissive Asian boy role), and then orated my original speech anyway during the graduation ceremony. I looked at her a few times and flashed a winning smile. I guess I was a dumb kid, but I've never believed in stupid authority. The lesson here is of course that you can only fight the within the rules to a certain extent. If you're not going anywhere, just work around the system. It was a valuable lesson.
I guess it was a fun experience, which I hope there will be more of. I've always loved public speaking. It was a really good feeling to say goodbye to that place, but sometimes I miss it.
I look at this speech now and realize it's a pretty lame speech, but for a high school senior it's not bad. = )
The speech...
The Tides of Time
Good evening teachers, parents, and friends.
There is a time for everything. There is a time to be born, and a time to die. A time to plant, and a time to uproot. A time to be silent and a time to speak. A time to keep, and a time to throw away. A time to tear, and a time to mend.
Today we stand together at commencement at a crossroads in our lives. It can be called a time to move on after a moment spent looking back at our four years at Woodbridge High School. I can vaguely remember a time we came here during freshmen orientation. We weren't even real freshmen then. What strikes me most at this very moment were the speaker's words. She stressed that the four years here truly go by at a quick pace, but at the time I merely shrugged it off.
Our high school days have quickly come to a close, in what seems to be the end of the road for many of us. The short time our lives have crossed is now over. Look around to the faces to the right and left of you, once nameless and unknown, you've grown to love them and need them. Even to dub a few as friends. The heavy burden of disappointment you shared with them and the joys are all but a few of the memories you will carry with you from this place. Count on the memories you made here to bring a smile to your face. You never know how much you really need something until it is gone. Sure there will be other friends, maybe even better friends, but always keep a special place in your heart for your Woodbridge High School pals. Always remember where you came from, because if you forget your roots, you're not going to go very far.
This next step away from high school is just another turn of time. A new beginning full of opportunity and hope. We are still young, and there is still much to be accomplished. No one knows what lies ahead in the path of life. In the frenzy of exploring the world, or finding your niche, just don't forget those who have helped you become the person you are today. Don't forget your friend who was there with a listening ear, or the teacher who spent the extra time to explain things, and most importantly your parents who have always provided for you and supported you in all things.
People often speak of success as a formula. Add a house in the suburbs, a white picket fence, one happily married couple, 1.5 kids = instant success. How many people actually fit into that superficial equation? Certainly not everybody, probably not even a majority. Well you won't find success in a 6 figure salary, in winning prestigious awards and distinctions, or having your face on the cover of a magazine. Some might even consider those things success. But then what becomes of those who won't find the cure for AIDS, who won't own a multi-million dollar corporation, or who don't exactly have the best jump shot? In fact most of us will probably lead average down to earth lives. So what then is the true meaning of success? Success is about finding something you love, making a difference, and doing it with all your heart. Find something that you love so much, that you are interested in, that you are committed to, that you want to devote the rest of your life to it. And then put the time to it and accomplish it. That is the path of true happiness.
There is a Korean phrase. 'When an animal dies it leaves behind its skin. When a person dies, they leave behind their name.' The important part is whether your name is seen in a good light or not. It's true, when it's all said and done, life is about what you've done and if you were happy doing it. Work hard at no matter what you do. Life is short. Follow your dreams, give them everything you've got, and what you rightfully deserve will follow. We only live life once, and if we do it right, it's all going to be worth it someday.
First and foremost, I'd like to thank God for making me the person that I am and the countless blessings that He's given me. My family, my brother, my sister, Mom and Dad, I love you guys. You've always been there for me, and I really appreciate the sacrifices you have made for me. My friend James Lee who helped me through the toughest times of my life. To the Class of '97 we hold the keys to the future, let us walk boldly and lead the way into the next century.
I guess one of the kicks in being valedictorian in such a big school was being able to bring as many people as you wanted to commencement ceremonies. I got all these extra tickets, and then I realized that, I had no one to bring, except immediate family. It always bugs me that I have no relatives here, Christmases and Thanksgivings always feel a little empty. So alot of my church people came. I was a little bit upset because my grandmother couldn't make the trek from Seoul. See, we made a promise, if I graduated "first" she would come back to see me. I don't know if she really thought it was possible at the time, but she copped out. She contributed to my wheels though.
WEll three pastors came to see me.... I feel sort of tall in this picture... heheh (right to left) Rev. Chester Kim, who is in charge of ELM(English Language Ministry), Rev. Shin Jin Shik, we go way back... almost a grandfather figure, and Rev Kim Joon Shik, the man at KPCE.
