When I was told to try out for the valedictorian’s speech I was a bit apprehensive and thought to myself “do I really want to try out? ” I told a friend about the conflict going on in my head, and she simply said “If you have something to say, say it. ” I went home and realized, I do have something to say, I have a lot To say. 12 years worth of things to say. A very Good evening to our Respected Chief Guest, Mr. Browne, Our principal ,Vice president, Headmistress, teachers and my dearest friends.
It’s amusing how I remember as if yesterday, when as small children we saw the shamiana of this very function when we walked into school the next day and inquired what it was about. A classmate having a senior sibling told us “it’s the big children’s function. They dress up and come in colour clothes and have a party with candles”, and now I stand here giving my valedictory speech with a sense of pride, nostalgia and achievement. We evidently grew up too fast. We are here this evening to celebrate our growth as human beings and the closing of maybe one of our most cherished most precious chapters of our lives.
Hoping to never let go of the memories we made. As I stand at the portals of this school, I see myself enter as a very small girl with two pigtails and a sweater walking into school with my hand in a fellow students’. Both of us running as fast as our little feet could carry us in fear of being late. I recall the small miniature seats of bright colours and the small kiddy trifles and miffs we had over missing pencils and erasers. I now enter in a sari with my arms linked with people I trust with my life, looking for reasons to stay with these friends as long as possible, no form of stationary now being a reason for argument.
I now envy the junior students . They still have time to grow up and a chance to continue and unravel the mysteries of adolescence, life, relationships of all kinds. High School: its the mouse race to prepare you for the rat race. This set me thinking, We owe our school so much. We owe to it, the very people we have become. If it wasn’t for this school, who knows what kind of people we’d be. The atmosphere of f. a. p. s is one like none other. I do not think there is any other school that allows us the freedom of finding ourselves and yet not losing our ground. Im yet to step out into the so called “real world”. hough My teenage arrogance doesn’t allow me to actually appreciate the lessons the teachers and experience have inscribed, yet I know some day some place I will. I Recall A teacher once telling me, change and adapt your habits to the person you want to be now, change of personality is hard once you’re out of your little haven of safety and comfort, Thus reminding me of the role school and teachers play in our lives. Thank you teachers, for imbibing in us the lessons which we will possess for all our endeavors. For your strict and sometimes harsh ways of teaching us that nothing in life can be achieved easily or by taking the shortcut.
My friends. Well what can I say. School life would be incomplete, unwholesome, lifeless and to say the least boring without them. Within these boundaries we have laughed, cried, loved, hated, fought, made up and importantly grown up and matured. It is very difficult to express the amount of gratitude and love I have for these few people who can make the worst of days, the best. However I try by still thanking you for being the best accomplices, the worst enemies, my most important inspiration and mostly for just being there. As the years look past us, If we lose track, Or lose the fight, promise to search forever To find a way back.
I know im going to miss the super loud bell that conveniently rings when you’re on the blue stairs, or dancing to our own music. I’m going to miss arguing with classmates over fans being switched on or off or singing to the newest song in chorus with the class. I’m going to miss running to the other class because I forgot my book. Im going to miss shuffling down for the much awaited break, and starting every monday wednesday and friday with our school prayer, Even being told off for collar buttons and kajal. these however are just a few memories . to enumerate all would take quite some time.
It is hard to walk away. Difficult to let go and move on from our little niches of comfort and hope. The boldness, confidence and enthusiasm will live in us throughout our lives, you see, once lit it’s hard to put out a fire kindled with such care and joy. Im glad to say that I have a connection with something so special that no distance of place or lapse of time can change it. So The days turned to hours And it’s just a moment before we go, I’m scared to say goodbye, ’cause what’s after that? I don’t knowBut do not let dismay of leaving eclipse our attitude and mindset.
Remember, The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made, and the activity of making them, changes both the maker and the destination. I conclude by saying it has been (for lack of a better word), a pleasure to tell you the “somethings” I had to say. Last but not least I’d like to leave by sharing with you something Cinderella taught me as a child. A dream is a wish your heart makes when you’re fast asleep. Have faith in your dreams, and someday, your rainbow will come smiling through.
