Chloe Wang Graduation Speech – Salutatorian 2009
Skyscrapers, subway, taxis and amusements are all over the place in the city I came from, Guangzhou, China. This vibrant city was suitable for my energetic character. Outgoing is my advantage, and I have hundreds of good friends in China. There are many distractions such as shopping malls and karaoke for us to amuse ourselves. It’s very hard for me to totally concentrate on my academic studies.
According to my parents’ perspective, all I need to do is study. They always set a high goal for me that I could never reach. Discouragements and disappointments were all I heard whenever I fail their expectations, and I always felt ashamed of myself, even though I tried very hard. Therefore, my parents sent me to America, where they thought I would have a good environment to study.
Carrying my parents’ high expectations, I came to this new world. It was my first time leaving my family and friends; I was alone. Even though I lived with my uncle’s family and my grandmother, I was afraid and uncomfortable with all the changes in my surroundings. My confidence was lost. No more familiar skylines or pleasures. Most of all, my English was dreadful, so I barely spoke and was too shy to meet new friends. My daily routine consisted of going to school and going back home for doing homework. My life became very boring.
When I came to Lutheran high school, my grades were unspeakable. It took me ten times more effort than other students to do my homework, but I did not give up. Teachers at Lutheran High never gave up on me either. They patiently helped me everyday after school. If we did not understand each other, we would ask each other until we fully understand. My classmates tried to be friends with me, and that gave me a feeling of being home.
Without other distractions, I was able to concentrate on my studies. As a matter of fact, the hard work did pay off. In the second semester, I was ranked first in my entire school. I was lit up with pleasure. My energetic character soon broke out of my bashfulness. As I became more proficient and comfortable with English, I spoke freely, and I made friends at school and church. I was so delighted that I was able to make so many friends and adapt to my surroundings. All my sadness was dissolved.
Surprisingly, finding a balance between study and play was not difficult this time around. There are so many opportunities to do things at Lutheran high. We volunteered with families and friends in the Auction, Giving Day and other school events, full of our lively spirit. We had worked with each other, helped others in need and cleaned for the environment. I recognized the real meaning of living a life of love, so I did many different community services outside of the school, such as helping invalids to do housework and teaching low-income kids how to play the piano.
In Lutheran high, we have greater chances to participate in extracurricular activities to strengthen our leadership skills. There was not only student council, but also club presidents and yearbook supervisors. I was able to continue to use my skill of being the treasurer in Lutheran high for three years. Moreover, I was able to use this leadership skill at school and founded a cooking club. In recognition of my success, I was admitted to University of California, Berkeley. My parents are very proud of me. Confidence has come to my heart.
In these past three years, I have walked on a hard unknown road. Lutheran High student body and teachers had gone through a hard time with me. It was like my third home, and it relieved my home sickness. Ultimately, I never gave up any chance to be successful. Being taken out of my comfort zone was actually the best thing for me. In America, my parents’ insight to my academic potential was finally clear to me. With the experience that I have obtained, I will continue to strive for success in the University of California, Berkeley.
