Recent grads share what graduation means to them in their own words.
In December, SYF celebrated nine mid-year graduations and a total of 277 high school graduates! As our staff attended the graduations, we were so inspired by the student speeches. It was humbling to hear from the students themselves about what brought them to Simon Youth Academies and how their teachers and peers encouraged them to believe in their futures and achieve their goal of earning their high school diplomas.
As we kick off a new year, we wanted to share some quotes from the student speeches that were delivered at our graduations in Nashville. Each student provides a unique perspective on what graduating from a Simon Youth Academy means to them.
Dylan, Simon Youth Academy at Old Cockrill Graduate:
“My favorite aspect of my experience going to [Simon Youth Academy at] Old Cockrill was how it was so personalized for what you needed to do to get your credits. Not to mention how the teachers and faculty care! I have gone to two other schools before the Academy and these people are some of the most amazing teachers and staff I’ve had in high school, period. As long as you are willing to sit down and do the work, you can really accomplish anything you set your mind to.
While I’m up here, I would like to personally thank my Dad, Matthew Foster, and Mr. Carter the former principal, and now the Executive Director of School Support and Improvement, for the endless amount of support they both have given me. I know without either one of them I wouldn’t be standing here today giving this speech and graduating. So thank you, both of you.
…If I could just give a few words of wisdom for my graduating class. Go out there and live life. Leave the world a better place than when you found it. Do what makes you happy, and if you can make other people happy in the process, even better. Go into your craft and leave a lasting mark on it so everyone will know you were there and you did that. We only live once so make the most out of your life. Oh and one more thing, that voice in the back of your head saying ‘What if you fail?’ I say, ‘What if you succeed?’ If you don’t try, how will you know?”
Learn more about how Dylan overcame difficult life circumstances and thrived in an individualized learning environment by watching his story: http://bit.ly/2soIBpm
Mae, Simon Youth Academy at Old Cockrill Graduate:
“Those who didn’t believe in us were left in shock, and we are here receiving our diplomas with a big smile… In life, we cannot deny that we always wanted to have short cuts. We wanted things to be easier for us. In the quest for knowledge and wisdom, I am sure there is no short cut… We need to have another stage of maturity to accept and understand what is required of us… Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. Just think about all that brought us here …all the trials and misfortunes too great to recall, all the nights of studying, all the grades, all the classroom experiences, all the stress, all the relationships – it all comes together here at this ceremony. Don’t forget to hold on to character; that is very crucial and that will be your reflection for tomorrow. Build a strong foundation with your family, among your peers and most importantly, within yourself.”
Demetria, Simon Youth Academy at Opry Mills Graduate:
“Each and every one of us has our own personal reasons for being here. From needing flexibility to attend school while parenting, to needing a second chance in life, or, in my case, needing to graduate high school early so I can work a ton and make as much money as possible to put toward my college tuition. No matter how we ended up here, we put in the time and effort to achieve the goal that we all share: obtaining our high school diploma. To the Simon Youth Foundation, thank you for giving us the opportunity to attend a non-traditional school like this one; many of us might not have made it without this option.”
Gisselle, Simon Youth Academy at Hickory Hollow Graduate:
“During my senior year, I decided to apply to the Simon Youth Academy at Hickory Hollow thinking I wasn’t going to get accepted. But finally, they called for an interview. I was honestly excited, but also nervous! The day came; I went to the interview. Mr. Fellman said, “Hey,” and well, of course, I said, “Hey,” back. He introduced himself and so did I. We went into his office and talked, and I kept laughing because I was nervous. He said, “You’re going to be one of my favorite students. Do you laugh at everything?” I said, “No, I’m nervous.” Mr. Fellman giggled and asked, “Why?” I said, “Because I thought I didn’t have a chance here.” He said, “Of course you do, and I’m looking forward to seeing you here!”
I started school and met many new people whom I can call friends. The days I spent here at the Academy were amazing and fun. Everyone here is so supportive, and they let you be you. They accept you for who you are. I am glad that I took the chance to graduate early and be here today to walk on stage.
One last thing: Today I won’t be walking on stage just for myself, but also for my friend Luis who passed away. He didn’t make it to walk across stage, but I know that he is watching over me, and I know that he is proud of me. Thanks to everyone who has supported me until this day, and once again, we made it class of 2018!”
Want to help more students like Dylan, Mae, Demetria and Gisselle reach graduation day? Visit the following link to make a tax-deductible gift to SYF today! http://bit.ly/2VRNkgG
The sentiments above were shared by December 2018 Simon Youth Academy graduates. Quotes were edited slightly for clarity and brevity.
