Valedictorian Speeches

Class of 2009: Todd Matthew Young
(An excerpt)

"… When I first started college I truly didn’t think I could do it: I didn’t believe I could succeed, I wasn’t a good student, couldn’t do math, would never amount to anything—but Mercy met me there. So what has college done for me? What have my professors helped me to realize through their teaching efforts?  I have a broader perspective in my outlook. I have an increased ability to communicate effectively in many mediums, greater compassion for people, pride in the accomplishments of others, increased self-esteem, confidence, discipline, a greater sense of myself as a person:  I now feel that I am just as good as anyone else, yet better than none. I have a vision for a future full of prospects, the ability to think critically—see the bigger picture—a deepened ability to love myself, others, my wife and family. A passion to improve, to achieve, a desire to help others reach their goals and an overarching desire to give back to society, to become a positive, galvanizing influence on the world...." [read Todd’s entire speech]

Class of 2008: Tae Wook Yoons
(An excerpt)
"… This journey of new beginnings has not been easy for any of us. While the paths each of US us has taken may not be exactly the same, we have all overcome countless obstacles to reach this point. Each of us has overcome not only the pitfalls and distractions of our environment, but more importantly, each of us has overcome the inner demons of self-doubt, ignorance and complacence. We have refused to embody the stereotypes that many in society have of us. Instead, we have sought to improve ourselves and find a better way to travel life’s journey. And for that, there has surely been no better map to guide us than our education…."
[read Tae’s entire speech]

Class of 2007: Jae Choi
(An excerpt)
"… Education has removed the blinders. With every book we read, we became a bit more aware of the darkness that we had long entertained. As our blinders came off we saw the painful reality of the damage we had caused. But at the same time, we could see many great possibilities -- that we could repair what once seemed irreparable; that we could build new dreams over old nightmares; and that we could become givers instead of takers. Without the blinders, we were able to recognize the greatness in others, and in ourselves. We were compelled to unite in such greatness rather than remaining alienated from our humanity. We’ve discovered how precious, how truly passionate and fulfilling life can be…."
[read Jae’s entire speech]






Class of 2006: Za’id A. Ali
(an excerpt)
"… When you’re young, you’re filled with so much hope. You believe that you could be anything in the world. I wanted to be the first black president when I was growing up. I was so proud. I was going to change the poor living conditions of all the people living in the projects. I was going to make a difference. My first grade teacher killed that dream for me. Her name was Ms. Powell. I remember her clearly; she was a gingerly black woman. She told me that I was not astute enough to be president. That was the first year that I was held back a grade in school. I was held back twice in public school. The only way that I made it out of junior high was through social promotion. They said that I was too old to stay there another year. After a year in high school my counselor told me that I should pursue some vocational training. And here I am now. Valedictorian. Keep hope alive…."
[read Za’id’s entire speech]