Unity In Diversity

Here is my middle school graduation speech that wasn't chosen. But I believe that it contains an important positive message that I would like to share.

Unity In Diversity

Here at Redwood, through the past three years, I've ran countless laps on the field, played numerous exciting games of basketball and volleyball, and had the opportunity to learn form many great teachers and make a lot of friends. While at this special moment, I'd like to talk about something I saw during our Six Flags music trip. As we were walking to our performance site, I saw a mural covered with hundreds of colorful blooming flowers and green leaves. In the middle, three big words stood out, "Unity In Diversity".

In this world that is wired with all sorts of opinions and voices, many times it becomes challenging to find the optimal balance. But we should constantly remind ourselves how valuable it is to seek unity in diversity, and to aim for win-win. Rudyard Kipling, author of "The Jungle Book", once wrote, "the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack". And that pack strength was heartfelt in our final game of the girls volleyball varsity-A team. Despite the 2-1 loss in the second to last game against the same opponent, and the tremendous pressure from the final's second set when we were tied at 23-23, our whole team stayed focused and everyone was determined to play together as one. After we scored the next two points to finish the set and win the final, everyone celebrated for this hard fought championship. The same team spirit and strength was also carried by our girls basketball championship team, finishing the entire season undefeated. 

One of my favorite books from 6th grade literature class was "The Outsiders". In this book, after all the turbulent and tough events, Sodapop talked to his brothers Ponyboy and Darry about each other's perspectives including his own. They finally understood and realized how much they cared about each other. It was the understanding and the deep caring of one another that brought three brothers together. The same positive mindsets and attitudes have been reflected in the values of our school and the community. And it has brought all of us together. I believe, by staying positive and working together, by understanding and caring about each other, we will bring the world closer and make it better. 

Now, to the class of 2019, to everyone out there, I would like to share a poem I read a while ago, called All of Us.

When your heart is heavy 

And your step unsure

When the winds are wild

And the path unclear

Don't fear the night

So dark and vast

Or the hazy future

Or the stormy past

Know that I am here

As steady as stone

We are stronger together

Than we are alone

Hope and light will always prevail

For love wins

Love will never fail.

Together we are stronger than ever.

Thank you!