Hardest Times are Greatest Moments
Candace Hammond, Treasurer of the Class of 2020
Thank you, Mr Milanovich —
To my fellow graduates:
To say this year has been ”challenging” is an understatement. This is not at all how we envisioned our senior year would end. Instead of proms, banquets, class trips, and traditional commencement ceremonies, we find ourselves saying our goodbyes and getting our diplomas virtually. Uncharted territory has become our new normal. And while this isn’t a perfect situation, it has shown me something about the class of 2020 and the people around us. We are innovative. We are problem-solvers and we are resilient.
This historical period of time in our lives reminds us that the road that lies ahead won’t always be easy. There will be obstacles and missed exits, potholes and roadblocks. There will be times when each of us will feel like we cannot possibly go on. There will be times when each of us will think we are alone; our backs against the wall. In those moments, we will remember back to this time and we will realize that we are not alone. There will be others that we can lean on to get through the tough times and just like this current situation, we will prevail.
You see, nothing worthwhile in life is easy. The path to our future won’t always be paved. Just like I said earlier, there will be obstacles and potholes, just like the ones we are currently finding ourselves stepping around. Those obstacles do not mean we give up on ourselves. We will keep pushing, because we know we can achieve our dreams, and because we are worth it.
So, I ask all of you to not be resentful and sad at how this year has ended. Instead, be proud of the ways in which we handled it. It is a reflection of who we will become and what we will be able to accomplish in the future when faced with adversity.
I would like to end this speech with a quote from Roy T. Bennett: “Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end.”
Congratulations to the Class of 2020! Thank you!
Candace has developed an intense love for anything related to cooking. Her specialty is making buffalo chicken dip and home-made chocolate chip cookies. When she graduates, she would like to continue her studies taking online coursework at Pittsburgh Technical College and working in the field of Restaurant Trades.
To enjoy Candace’s virtual address to the Class of 2020, please click HERE.