Almost 19 years ago, on July 22, 2005, I was born with esophageal atresia. Esophageal atresia is a medical condition where your esophagus is not connected to your stomach. During repairs, due to complications, I was diagnosed with paralyzed vocal cords. As I grew older I would wonder, why can’t I eat normally? Why does my voice sound like this? Why can’t I run like the other kids?
The world has a unique way of reminding all of us that life isn’t fair. It’s not fair when you struggle to read. It’s not fair when a family member becomes sick. It’s not fair when you’re clawing to make ends meet. But the beauty of life lies in the fact that it’s not about what happens to you, but how you respond.
The past four years at Wilton High School have been no different. We have been challenged time and time again. Everytime adversity struck, we responded. Faced with a global pandemic, we navigated our way through it. Hearing we are stuck in another hold due to coyotes, we persisted. Balancing college applications, theater performances, sports, and so much more is far from easy. Yet we did that too. To those of you dealing with setbacks or tribulations you think nobody else understands, keep going. No doctor 18 years ago believed I’d be giving a speech at graduation, but here I am.
At Wilton High School, we have won several championships, put on spectacular plays, but most importantly learned to get back up when the world knocks us down.
Life isn’t fair, but embrace that, just like you’ve done the past four years. Whether that be fighting through an injury, adjusting the senior prank, or taking a little longer to understand a new math concept, we didn’t shy away from hardships, we confronted them. It’s the ones who brave hardship that truly discover themselves.
It has been my honor serving you the past four years.
When you can, please take a moment to stop and look around, share laughter with your friends, and hug your family. Because despite what life has thrown at us, we made it here. Thank you and congratulations.
Beautiful graduation speech by Quin Silva! Your speech was right on and so important for all to hear! Congratulations on your graduation and I wish you all the best the next chapter in your life!
Warm Regards, Suzanne Faker, Former WHS Guidance Instructional Leader