Looking Inward
2022 Commencement Speech by Sam Trout
For the past 13 years of our lives we’ve struggled, we’ve suffered; and sometimes, despite our most valiant efforts, we’ve failed. It seems as though sometimes we’ve done nothing but pour our blood, sweat, and tears into a bottomless pit, waiting for something amazing to happen, only to watch in disappointment. It is those harsh moments that drag us down like a ball and chain and prevent us from reaching our destination of the extraordinary.
But tonight, we taste the sweet nectar of success. After 13 years, the blood, sweat, and tears have paid off. We have done it. We have graduated from high school. In spite of the failures and difficulties that have burdened our souls, tonight we celebrate the joys of the life that awaits us in our future. It is moments like these when light shimmers down and we feel as if the rest of our life is mapped out perfectly ahead of us. But is it? Unfortunately not. There are no guarantees that we will have the life we imagine. But will it be better than our dreams? Absolutely.
So when you fail or feel like giving up, I implore you to do three things. First, when something goes wrong, ask yourself what you did wrong and learn from that experience. The lessons we learn from failure are priceless, and they stick with us like scars for the rest of our lives. Second, do not forget the happy, joyful moments like tonight when everything is in its right place. They motivate and inspire us to achieve the impossible.
And third, fight. Keep fighting. Even when you fail. Even after you fail. Fight because you never know what you can accomplish next.
To all of you here tonight, I say thank you. Thank you for coming and for your love and support through the years. To the Class of 2022, I say don’t give up and don’t give in to despair. Instead, look inside yourselves for the strength and determination that got you here tonight.
(MHS would like to share all five of the graduation speeches from this year. This is the first of five speeches.)