Narrative Speech : My Valedictorian Speech

It was the first month of my high school years, I was as nervous as an incoming freshman could be. I had no idea how long and strenuous my years at Bensalem High School would feel. As many others, I had a hard time adjusting to the transition from middle school to high school. Unlike others, though, I struggled about twenty

The tone of the speech is very polite and uplifting. Quindlen positively encourages the graduates to follow their own path by being who they are. Her viewpoint towards education, commencement, and life are well received as she reflects on her previous college years and how alike she was with the current graduates. Quindlen shows that she respects the aspects of today’s society through her tone of

High school and college graduations, best known for their length, and infamous cap, tend to give a “farewell in good luck speech” to the graduates. These speeches can be mundane for the spectators, yet captivating for the participants. Rita Dove’s speech to the UVA graduating class of 2006 is different. She captures the attention of all her listeners. She delivers a unique speech that shares her hopes for the students’ futures.

High school and college graduations, best known for their length, and infamous cap, tend to give a “farewell in good luck speech” to the graduates. These speeches can be mundane for the spectators, yet captivating for the participants. Rita Dove’s speech to the UVA graduating class of 2006 is different. She captures the attention of all her listeners. She delivers a unique speech that shares her hopes for the students’ futures.

When it was brought to my attention that I was selected to give a speech, I freaked out. Throughout my four years of high school, and most definitely before that, I have loathed all of the moments where I had to speak in front of others. I could never seem to make those butterflies in my stomach dissipate and I would zoom through my presentation. This transpired whenever I presented, and, as my former English teacher Ms. Keisha Tooks-Riley put it, I would always ‘take that L.’ However, standing here, I hope to turn that L into a W today.

Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers many student support services that can help make the college experience less stressful. Each service has its own way of aiding the student in whatever way they need assistance. In this essay I will explain four of these services and how they can help the student. These include the Writing Center, Financial Aid Office, Advising Center, and the Student Health Service.

Moors hand and took he degree. She smiled and gave me a little wave. “Cameron Anderson.” Cameron took him degree and threw his arms up in the air and shouted. “Paul Shank.” Paul walked up to the stage and grabbed his graduation degree and shouted “I never thought I would make it this far”. Which caused everybody in the auditorium to laugh. “Hunter Basola” hunter approached the stage and accepted his degree along with the sash he was given for achieving salutatorian. “Gavin Wills.” I walked up to Mr. Moore and shook his hand as he handed me my high school degree. Mr. Moore pulled me aside while the valedictorian was giving his speech and said “I read your paper you wrote in 8th grade while in Mr. Kroesch class, you should look into becoming a writer.” He told

The first time I had to do an actual speech in front of the class my mind went blank. I had studied the speech for a couple weeks and thought I was going to blow it out of the water. As I began to walk up to the front podium, I felt like my stomach was forming into a twizzler as I looked back at all

It was the last day of school where we got our report cards and it stated what our 6th grade classroom would be. I was a very weak student and I ended up in a place that wasn’t my best. People have made so many comments and put so many labels, but I pushed myself to change. Ever since this moment I have worked hard to make a change. I’ve had put so much pressure on myself and now I have the honor of being the one to stand here, in front of all of you as your Valedictorian.

I stood there in anticipation, speech in hand, facing the crowd. Then, I ripped apart the speech, but I had no worries about the paper. After all, I had already memorized the whole speech. At that moment, my goal was to inspire people with my speech. I had never thought I would be able to stand there in the gaze of a giant audience.

The weather cleared up and me, along with my entire class and teachers, got to enjoy a beautiful ceremony. Lining up we started to proceed out to the football stadium from the gymnasium, my mind would not stop thinking. I just could not stop remembering what it took for me to get to this day. The stress that I endured studying for the SAT, filling out my applications and most importantly, perfecting my essay. The idea that I was not going to be living in this beautiful town I have spent my life in, brought a flood of emotions. Thoughts of my friends not being by my side next year made me feel as if I was sinking into a deep hole; this place, this town has had so much to offer to me. The past two years that I had spent in this place were the most emotional and exciting times of my life. I knew even though I was not going to be waking up in my familiar place anymore, I would be waking up in what was to become my new familiar place. I knew that even though my friends would not physically be there with me every day, that they would be there when I called them. If it were not for all of the people I have met along the way, I do not think I would have ended up where I am today. It just is a common thought for whenever I get sad about everything ending, I remind myself that there is a new beginning coming and it is going to be amazing. The place that I have spent my whole life

One of my more vivid experiences of public speaking was when I was taking a class at a community college. While taking this class I would often have to give speeches and demonstrations in front of the class. As I was waiting for my turn to give my very first speech, I was very certain that I would have no problems at all, it would a piece of cake, or so I thought. All of a sudden, I hear my name being called as it was my turn to deliver a knockout performance, but as I stood in front of that small class of people I just blanked out. An overwhelming amount of anxiety came over of me. I could feel my heart beginning to race and my hands starting to sweat. I could not for the life of me remember what I was going supposed say. In addition, the

Graduation day arrived and I had butterflies out of this world. It seemed as if I misplaced everything. I could not find my dress. My family came from one state to another. I finally got to the church were the commencement was going to be held. I

As the end of the night approached us, I couldn’t stop thinking about how many mixed emotions I had about starting a whole new chapter in my life. I couldn't wait to go to college, meet all new people, get a degree so that I could start my career path, but I knew that meant I had to say goodbye to my two best friends, who were moving several hours away from me. This was one of the hardest things I had ever had to do in my life. We all cried a little, and then made promises to keep in touch, and then we were off into the real world! I was very happy to be at this point in my life, but I was scared deep down inside.

Stepping upon a simple stage was the best thing I could have ever done. Overseeing the multitude that was there to witness my every word, every tremble, every emotion, and every heart beat, was then that I realized that the sentiment was real. It was essentially the end of time and I could not bear to hold back what I no intentions of doing. Cry. Tears of joy darted down my face as I walked across the stage and received my ultimate gift. With fancy inscription, my gift was entitled “Class of 2009”. I had just graduated.