Forever Moments

Hi, I am ASpencer, the president of the graduating class of 2023. But most importantly, as your fellow classmate, I cannot express how proud I am of all of you. 

Over the past 14 years of school I have learned a few things that I would love to share with all of you tonight. Most things will be forever temporary. The reason I say forever is not because I am referring to the moment, as those are temporary–but to only the memory that we are able to cling onto for the entirety of our lives. It is of the utmost importance that we savor, observe, and keep a keen perspective during those moments to make sure they turn into wonderful memories that we are willing to hold forever.

Memories are tricky. Especially for those of us who have the equivalent memory of Dory from Finding Nemo. Although I remember a lot of things, a few certain moments always come to mind. I remember when we all used the rainbow parachute–building up the wind going into the parachute, the suspense building, till we plop down on the hard gym floor, making our tailbones ache. This is one of my favorite forever memories. Even though it got a little hot and weird there after a minute…I wouldn’t say I cherish that part. Staying in the parachute for longer than one minute is definitely not for the weak of heart.

Another forever memory is the last day of our learning in the Carrie Ricker School. I remember Justin Timberlake singing to me his lovely tune of, “Can’t stop the feeling” as we were all outside. Whether some of us were playing kickball, using the playground for the last time, or just walking around. Somehow, all separated, it still felt as though we were so connected. Although I must admit, I hate that song. I think the part I hate most about it is the fact I heard it about 100 times within the last two months of school. Regardless, the memory is fantastic, with or without Justin Timberlake. 

Regardless of the fact that some memories we choose not to remember, or try not to remember, it is important to cherish these, especially if they lead to growth in ourselves. Unfortunately, not all memories are happy, some may be centered around sadness, anger, bittersweet feelings, or even confusion. These memories, though, often lead to growth in each of us. It is most important, though, to keep the memories of cringe moments in middle school, because- thank god you don’t act like that anymore. Even if these memories make you feel uncomfortable, that shows growth.

A couple more forever memories of mine aren’t necessarily happy like these ones. I would consider those something like a stepping stone memory. I will spare you the details, but I realize that it is not only important to hold these close to my heart, but to always tell myself they are just as important as us all playing outside together happily. Each of my forever memories that are a little bit more sad have led me to grow exponentially, both in my personality and values.

Every moment may not be perfect, but sometimes the memory of it is what helps us the most. I miss the parachute with you guys, and I miss the playground. I don’t miss the bad moments, but I hold them close, just in case I ever need to remember how far I have come–how far each of us has come.

Thank you for listening. I want to reiterate the fact that I am tremendously grateful for the years that we have all spent together. I am proud of all of you and wish you the best. Achieve your dreams, and be the best you can be. Remember to observe, enjoy, and savor moments while you still can– so that way, one day, they can be memories that last forever, too.
Congratulations Class of 2023. 

“Good luck graduates! Arizona State hoorah!” by kevin dooley is licensed under CC BY 2.0.