Procrastination at its Finest

Hello, Class of 2024. My name is NLeBrasseur and yes I prepared this speech at the last moment. Over the past four years, I’ve become quite familiar with procrastination, but today, I am here to celebrate how far we’ve all come. Yes, graduation is finally here and there will be no more last-minute preparation. No, I did not arrive late to give this speech. I am here and ready to be done.

I have learned that procrastination is like being a hockey player who holds onto the puck for too long. You hold the puck, skating around, avoiding checks, looking for the perfect shot. You avoid the hits and skate around feeling the pressure as the clock ticks down. Finally, at the last possible moment, you take the shot. Does it sail into the net for the game-winning goal – an A on that paper? Or does it go wide making you wonder what you could have done better? If only there was more time to get the loose puck and shoot again. Honestly, I do not know what an A is but I have been able to get Bs by scoring on the rebound. As we move forward in our lives the rebounds will not be as plentifully. Take the shot sooner and score in life. 

I have regrets as we graduate. I wish I had played soccer and lacrosse. I wish I would have taken more shots and seized upon more opportunities. Regrets are like an empty playing field or a shot never taken. Regrets are a constant reminder of the games you never played and the victories you never earned. Do not leave the field empty as you enter your life. Do not wonder when you reach your golden years what could have been – step onto the field. Let us embrace our opportunities. Let us make the most of every opportunity. Let’s leave our hesitation and regrets behind. Let’s play the game of life. 

During the last four years, we have skated on rough ice as the pandemic tested our abilities. We had to learn remotely, find new ways to remain connected and skate on through to today. Despite the choppy ice, here we are ready to leave school behind and embrace the opportunities that lay ahead. With all we have faced, we know we can overcome any obstacle placed in front of us. We can step onto the field ready to take the shot.

As we prepare to leave high school behind, let’s remember that life is full of opportunities. To take full advantage of those opportunities shoot the puck or play the game. Don’t let procrastination hold you back or leave you with regrets. Step onto the field, take your shots and embrace every opportunity. Let us make the most of our lives. Create a life full of goals scored. Make every opportunity a memory you will never forget. Congratulations to all of us – the Class of 2024. Let’s go out there and win at the game of life.

“Graduation 016” by B Rosen is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.