Aarthi Yogendran, Mountlake Terrace High School Senior Class President’s speech
If fear and self doubt ever got the best of me, I would have never had the chance to impact the lives of the people at my school and in my community. I, Aarthi Yogendran, am proud to say that my experiences at Mountlake Terrace High School have helped to develop my character, my confidence, and my ability to apply myself to new horizons I had once never imagined possible. It is with great pride that I stand before you to share my personal outlook on my many opportunities throughout high school. Each and every one of us have our own stories, and I am honored to be able to share a glimpse of mine with you. In September of 2013, I was a quiet freshman with a passion of wanting to help others. My sister encouraged me to run for freshman class ASB, and I became the freshman class treasurer. As a timid freshman, conquering my fears of running for class office would be one of the best decisions of my life. It is more than an honor that I get to stand up here today in front of you as this past year’s senior class president. My time in leadership taught me that I have the ability to apply my compassion in a leadership setting. Being a member of Key Club for the past four years, and having Ms.Nelson, the most warm-hearted advisor, has led me to learn that it is important to take the time to view life in the perspectives of others. We all have the power to help one another, and to build each other up. There are times where we struggle, and we wish that someone would be there to help us. Through Key Club and community service, I’ve learned that through any act of service and kindness, anyone can make a difference in the world. My journey thus far would not have been the same if it wasn’t for my experiences I’ve had with playing the cello. I remember in the fifth grade being so excited to start playing the cello. There was something about the instrument that stuck out to me and picking to play the cello has been one of the best decisions of my life. My love for playing the cello grew as I had the most amazing teacher from middle school to the end of high school, Mrs. Schillen. The most substantial thing I learned from her, and from being in orchestra is that it’s important to take time and dedicate yourself to what you love to do.
We all view high school in different perspectives. Like myself, some of us see high school as such a positive, enlightening experience. Others see their high school experience to be dark and dreary; where it’s a waste of time or they hate going to school. Regardless of how your high school experience was for you, know that these past four years do not dictate your future. Yes, high school was an important time of growth in your journey, but your future can be so much more.
It is important to remember that your journey to this point would not be the same without the support you’ve received. There is an overwhelming feeling of gratitude I have for those who supported me, so I can’t help but thank the influential figures in my life, such as my family, friends, and my teachers for believing in me. For example, through every experience I’ve faced, I’ve always had the support of my sister. Her support and constant encouragement is what keeps me going. She’s the first person I go to when I have exciting news to share or if I’m facing a hardship and I need someone to talk to. I wouldn’t be who I am if it wasn’t for her guidance and I couldn’t be more thankful knowing that to me, I have the best older sister anyone could ever ask for. At school, there were many people who have changed my life for the better, and that I could go endlessly on and thank. In specific, the one person that was always there to listen to me regardless of her busy schedule, the person who was always there guide me in the right direction, and the one person who was willing to show me tough love when I really needed it was Nadine Coombs. I feel incredibly lucky that I got to know the wonderful person that she is. She has been nothing but supportive of me throughout high school. Nadine has given me some of the best advice and I have learned so much from her. There is no way I would’ve made it through high school if I didn’t have Nadine in my life. Finding those who are willing to support you is special but hard, so I encourage you all to take the time to thank those who have helped you along the way and take the time to appreciate the help and the support you have been given.
Throughout high school, we ventured through different experiences that have led us towards becoming who we are, but who we are now does not define who we have yet to become. As Henry David Thoreau so brilliantly put it, “ What lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when you bring what is within out into the world, miracles happen.” We all have the opportunity and the potential to set out to reach new heights that will allow us to become who we wish to be. Though all of stories are different, what brings us together is that our experiences are what shape us in who we are, how we view the world, and how we continue to shape our character in the future. So, take pride in how far you have come and have faith in how far you can go. Thank you for your part in my journey and thank you for letting me be a part of your journey.
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