𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐓𝐇.

forty.

𝐤𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐞 𝐣. 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐬
𝙼𝙰𝚈 || 𝙱𝙰𝚃𝙾𝙽 𝚁𝙾𝚄𝙶𝙴, 𝙻𝙰.
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            I stood in front of the microphone looking at the many faces that were out in the audience. I looked at the faces of my peers, who I had grown with for the past four years. Although I wasn't the most popular in school, I was the kindest. I tutored so many students in need, free of cost. The fact I had a nice soul made me happier than any popularity could have.

I cleared my throat, "I stand before you all today, not just as your valedictorian, but also as a young woman that has learned that resilience isn't just a word, it's a journey. A journey that has taken me through some of the most challenging moments of my life,"

"This year has shown me that life is fragile and it is beautiful. We've all faced challenges, but I want to take a moment to honor the two people who were my constants, my guiding lights, and who are no longer physically with us. My mother, who was the first woman I loved, the woman who taught me that strength and softness can exist in the same body, and my best friend, my sister Khayri, who was my heartbeat and the truest friend anyone could ask for,"

I straightened my posture and refrained from letting my tears fall, "Losing them has shaped me in ways I'm still discovering. I wish I could've told them how much they meant to me, how they'll always be with me, not just in memory, but in everything I do,"

"My relentless drive to make my mother proud, to honor Khayri's memory, and to stand before all of you today as your valedictorian. I know that my accomplishments are not just mine — they are a reflection of the community, the love, and the lessons that have carried me through this journey. Every late night, every hour spent studying, was made possible by the people who believed in me, even when I didn't know how to believe in myself,"

I paused for a moment, looking out at the crowd of people who looked moved by my speech. My father in tears, my grandmother with the biggest smile on her face, I knew that they were proud of me.

I continued, "So, to my teachers, who never gave up on me, thank you. To my friends, who picked me up when I couldn't stand on my own, thank you. To my family, who loved me unconditionally, even in my lowest moments — thank you,"

"And to you, Class, we've made it. We've all been tested, some of us more than others, but we are here. We are stronger than we were when we first walked through these doors,"

"As I stand here today, I am not just thinking about the future that awaits us, but the past that has shaped us into who we are. We carry the memories of those we've lost and the dreams of those who still believe in us. I am proud of who we've become and excited to see what we will do with the fire that burns inside us,"

"To my mother, to Khayri, and to all the souls we carry with us — this moment is for you." I concluded my speech with my heart heavy, the crowd exploding into loud clapping and cheers.

I carefully walked back to my seat with my head held high, making sure to not slip and fall with the heels that I was in. I sat back down in my seat, looking over at Neno and Delani who sat rows away from me due to our seats being arranged in chronological order.

They both looked at me with smiles, Delani wiping her eyes. Neno blew me a kiss from across the rows, mouthing out an 'I Love You' before we had to turn our attention to our principal who was going to give a long speech about a whole bunch of nothing.