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'My path was hard and full of obstacles'
By Anais Gallet |
June 26, 2013, Wednesday
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HERE we are, after 12 years of schooling, finally graduating. Twelve years of hard work with a final two-year hike through the steepest mountains called International Baccalaureate, which we thought we would never survive. But we did, and now we are waiting to toss the caps in the air and once and for all be done with it.
I feel honored to have been chosen to speak for this award of academic excellence. I do not have a magic formula. My path was hard, full of obstacles, and never satisfying. It required constant and tedious work, sacrifices in social life, sleep, or both. There was sweat and tears, and despite the support and cheers of teachers, friends and family, it is a lonely path. Why do it?
I believe the most important factor is my perseverance, which drives me forward everyday. I cannot leave something unfinished, I cannot do something half-way, I always have to do it perfectly. This helped me follow the road, no matter how hard.
I also like challenges. That's one reason why Higher Level Math was my favorite class, because it was the hardest academic challenge I have ever faced.
Another reason for success is that I enjoy learning. Logical thinking and acquiring knowledge, along with perseverance, motivated me to work hard.
The most important assistance came from my parents. As in "Forrest Gump," they were the steel legs that got me going in the beginning of schooling and supported me until I was strong enough to run on my own.
These last four years, we have been living a dream in Shanghai. Living abroad, going to a fun international school ... I was now on a path surrounded by interesting sights, which made the run much more enjoyable and easier to bear. My dream of higher education abroad will come true next year. I will be studying in England, reading mathematics.
Many people helped and encouraged me on my long road. They include my primary school teachers and my ballet teacher Frau Mües in Munich, who was like a second mother.
I am very grateful for my teachers here. Ms Nelson for teaching me English from my first miserable attempts; Mrs Velamuri for helping me understand myself better and teaching the subject I love the best in theory and hate the most in practice, physics; Mr Seath for helping me explore the confusing world of TOK and philosophy; Mr Finch for allowing me to expand my horizon culturally and historically; Mrs Mi for teaching Mandarin, and Mr Newell, for teaching my favorite subject, math, and challenging me the most.
A huge thanks to my friends, Shermaine, Kaitlin, and Sonia, who accepted me the way I am, even with my academic focus and on the days when I was unbearable. Thank you also, especially Sonia, for stepping in when school took over my life and reminding me that rest is allowed.
Uma, I am sad that we only got close towards the end of this year, but I am sure we will have more wonderful dinners.
Lastly, but most importantly, I thank my family. I can be intolerable sometimes, especially when I am stressed, but you put up with me and supported me. Maman, Papa, coming to Shanghai was a huge motivation, and I will forever be thankful. Your constant concern, although I sometimes said I did not want it, was a huge help and I will never forget it. Thank you also Adrien, Aurelia, and Alexandre, for the millions of incredibly funny dinner conversations. It made the sun shine on my harsh path. I love you and I will miss you and I will always be there for you, in the same way you were always there for me. Thank you!
I feel honored to have been chosen to speak for this award of academic excellence. I do not have a magic formula. My path was hard, full of obstacles, and never satisfying. It required constant and tedious work, sacrifices in social life, sleep, or both. There was sweat and tears, and despite the support and cheers of teachers, friends and family, it is a lonely path. Why do it?
I believe the most important factor is my perseverance, which drives me forward everyday. I cannot leave something unfinished, I cannot do something half-way, I always have to do it perfectly. This helped me follow the road, no matter how hard.
I also like challenges. That's one reason why Higher Level Math was my favorite class, because it was the hardest academic challenge I have ever faced.
Another reason for success is that I enjoy learning. Logical thinking and acquiring knowledge, along with perseverance, motivated me to work hard.
The most important assistance came from my parents. As in "Forrest Gump," they were the steel legs that got me going in the beginning of schooling and supported me until I was strong enough to run on my own.
These last four years, we have been living a dream in Shanghai. Living abroad, going to a fun international school ... I was now on a path surrounded by interesting sights, which made the run much more enjoyable and easier to bear. My dream of higher education abroad will come true next year. I will be studying in England, reading mathematics.
Many people helped and encouraged me on my long road. They include my primary school teachers and my ballet teacher Frau Mües in Munich, who was like a second mother.
I am very grateful for my teachers here. Ms Nelson for teaching me English from my first miserable attempts; Mrs Velamuri for helping me understand myself better and teaching the subject I love the best in theory and hate the most in practice, physics; Mr Seath for helping me explore the confusing world of TOK and philosophy; Mr Finch for allowing me to expand my horizon culturally and historically; Mrs Mi for teaching Mandarin, and Mr Newell, for teaching my favorite subject, math, and challenging me the most.
A huge thanks to my friends, Shermaine, Kaitlin, and Sonia, who accepted me the way I am, even with my academic focus and on the days when I was unbearable. Thank you also, especially Sonia, for stepping in when school took over my life and reminding me that rest is allowed.
Uma, I am sad that we only got close towards the end of this year, but I am sure we will have more wonderful dinners.
Lastly, but most importantly, I thank my family. I can be intolerable sometimes, especially when I am stressed, but you put up with me and supported me. Maman, Papa, coming to Shanghai was a huge motivation, and I will forever be thankful. Your constant concern, although I sometimes said I did not want it, was a huge help and I will never forget it. Thank you also Adrien, Aurelia, and Alexandre, for the millions of incredibly funny dinner conversations. It made the sun shine on my harsh path. I love you and I will miss you and I will always be there for you, in the same way you were always there for me. Thank you!
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