儿子的ValedictorianSpeech

Ever since we started, I've been saying "Man, I can't wait for school to be over." Well, I wasn't ready for it to end so soon- I'm going to miss Central so much. Sure, Central has caused me some grief. I remember sitting in fourth period, bored, tired, waiting for the bell to ring. I remember stressing out about how much homework I have due tomorrow, or even next period, frantically trying to finish those last few problems before class starts. But I also remember learning from the most wonderful teachers here. And not just the teachers, but everyone; Central has brought us together from different backgrounds, giving us the perfect chance to meet all kinds of incredible people. And as for the academics, Central's selection of so many different fascinating classes is unrivaled. I know that for me, if it hadn't been for all the opportunities that only Central could have offered, I probably wouldn't have been able to go to the college I wanted. There really is too much that I owe Central to pay back in merely words; instead, I will honor Central by using everything I learned here to excel in college and the rest of life. My biggest regret in these past four years is not learning to truly appreciate Central earlier. I loved Central, but not as much as I should have. I'm talking about my reluctance in going to class and doing homework. For too long I thought of weekdays as seven hours shorter than weekends. I thought of homework as a barrier, holding me and my friends apart. I didn't allow myself to enjoy it, cherish it. So for the future, I promise never to see any part of life as a burden, but rather a unique experience. I promise never to make that same mistake of living halfheartedly, of not appreciating every precious moment in life. These past four years have gone by so quickly, and we can't get them back. I can only hope that for those listening, the next time you think of school or any other challenge as a burden, don't. Persevere and be the best you can be, because it might be your only chance to live it.