When reading this, I will have already not only given this speech, but graduated from North Polk High School. As my final contribution to The Orbit, I wanted to forever memorialize this speech, I hope that the reader enjoys it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Good afternoon parents, staff, and the most important people if I do say so myself, class of 2025. My name is Zoe Marquez and before I get into my actual speech I would like to begin by asking for a round of applause for everyone- the students who worked so hard to get here, the incredible staff that has been there to educate us, and our parents who are the reason for us being here on this special day.
“Live in the present.” Words so simple, yet so hard to follow. Right now, on May 17, at (insert time), the North Polk Class of 2025 is sitting in their not so comfortable chairs, worried about their cap not being secured and falling off, reflecting on their past brought back by Jacson Richards, and probably scared out of their minds for what the future hold, I know I am. For now and for the next few minutes, though, I ask you to take a moment and, as some would say, live in the present with me.
When given the opportunity to speak at our graduation, and furthermore given the option to choose between the past, present, and future I immediately jumped the gun and chose the present- not even giving the option to my fellow speakers Jacson and Stockton.
The present is something that I am beyond passionate about- often being forgotten. So often people tend to dwell on the past, or hyperfixate on the future, tending to lose sight of the picture that is in front of us.
Earlier in the school year, this picture was the shock of a passing that shook the entirety of the North Polk Community. Chad Allen Dittmer was 16-years-old when his life was cut tremendously short. While I had continuously been preaching about not taking advantage of everyday life, the passing of a classmate, especially one so young made me realize that I was not truly practicing what I was preaching. I was constantly reminiscing about high school, having it go by so fast, while also worrying about what I would do after my final at North Polk. After Chad’s passing, I realized I wanted to become more mindful of the life I was living in the moment and every moment after that. To be more mindful and appreciative of the life I am blessed with everyday, as you never know when it may be cut short.
This is often very difficult, as our generation has been cursed with being placed in the middle of two great expectations: living up to the nuclear family of the past while also setting up for the supposedly great future. So often we feel the pressure of the two extremes- past and future. When we are living for either end, though, we often forget to live for ourselves. We forget to notice the little things, the little acts of kindness. We forget to appreciate the moments without family and friends. I urge you not to, as these moments are not eternal and could be gone as fast as a light going out.
So to the class of 2025, the best class, I hope you can be at peace with your past, worry less about your future, and take a moment to appreciate the now. Count your blessings and hug your friends and family like there’s no tomorrow- mami, papi, and Ian, los amo, and to all thank you for giving me this moment, thank you for giving me this present.
