My Valedictorian Speech

Here is my speech, that I gave already over a week ago. I was soooo nervous and proud and it felt good in the end too.

Dear students, parents, teachers and dear guests.

(small pause) :)

It is an honour and at the same time the most nerve-racking thing to be standing here in front of you today.

I guess I never really imagined that speech class would come in this handy for me, so soon.

And it just doesn't become easier! :)

(Pause)

“Just do it” (Nike)

“just do it” is not always as easy as those three words.
I know that. I think everybody does.

“Just do it” does not just involve a couple of running shoes, unless you are dreading the choices out there, waiting for you.

“Just do it” merely requires some actions, some decisions, that you and I have to take.

There were some major decision in my life. Decisions that got me here. Talking to you.

I decided to go and live in England at age 16 to do my A-levels.
After two years, I decided to move to Paris, because I knew what interested me and what I might want to pursue was an education in Art and Design.
A year after that (of exploring and learning), I realised that I wanted to go to the American Business School. (this is only the short version)
And, 2 months ago, I decided to quit my rather safe internship for an exciting and more challenging job.

I just did.

Though it was far from easy, far from being the simplest ways, that I could have chosen for myself, However, they were the right ways for me.
If I had chosen the simplest way, to just stroll along, I would have not spent the past years here in Paris, going to this school, meeting all the inspiring teachers and students and interesting people with all these different backgrounds.

I would have missed out on the richness in my life, which made me the person I am today.

I met Mr. Rukavina in my first semester. Thanks to his teaching methods, I have been able to practise this speech in front of the mirror!
I got to know a colourful San Francisco, and was invited to one of the most beautiful weddings a month ago.

(Pause)

By just doing, I learned to jump over my shadows. By just doing, I discovered more about myself and the people around me.

“Just doing” means initiating. It means to start something, to act before others do and leading them with your ideas. It means to take a step forward and doing the amazing things, that you want to do, no matter how difficult they are.

It is not a secret, that “life is one of the hardest”. But life is also one of the most beautiful things that could happen to you.

All the different little pieces, that we needed to fight for, work for, or just got handed over, will start falling in place.
We have one of those pieces today, (we can all be proud of that, I know I am) and can finally put it with the rest of them.

(Pause)

I would like to say “thank you” to everyone who made me believe in me, who inspired me, who challenged me.
I thank my parents (all three of them), the closest people around me (I think, they know who they are) and teachers who made me think and question the world around me.

I wish all of you graduates the best and hope you'll find your ways (maybe our paths/ways will cross again one day.)

Enjoy this evening!
Thank you.

(applause)