Graduation Speech 2019 - Darrell Wright

Growing up in a privileged household I was destined for greatness. My mother raised me and my sisters to be strong, intuitive, and ambitious. Being her only son I felt favored, left out, and placed in a lot of pressure. I played football and did martial arts. I got to do stuff I wanted.

          High school was a time for me to rebel. I was always doing what I thought my mother wanted me to do, but I had my own agenda. I went to a prestigious high school “Venture Academy”.   It offered various programs. Performing arts was a thing for me, being that I love music and art.

          I would say it was my junior year when I decided I couldn’t pretend anymore. I was gay and proud of it. My mother was furious. She kicked me out the house, I was only 16.  I think she thought I’d change, comeback home, and follow her rules. I was stubborn.

          I then decided to drop out, hustle, live my life and be who I wanted.  I had to survive somehow. I didn’t return home.  I was caught up doing what I wanted, being me, living care-free, unjudged by church goers like my mom thinking I committed the biggest sin. Living this criminal lifestyle, I soon learned that it had consequences.  I went to jail time and time again.  I always just relied on myself.  I came to the conclusion I just didn’t need school.  I was making money and didn’t need anyone. But I couldn’t get a job because I didn’t have a diploma, and had felonies. What I knew would keep me intact.

          One day, I had an epiphany. I decided I’m only getting older, the only one I’m hurting is myself.  I can get my G.E.D and be an example not only to my family but peers as well. 

          So many people have been put in the same predicament as me, and someone has to make a change.  Getting my GED is me making the smartest decision over the past couple of years.

          I can go back to school and do what I want. I always was smart but now I have the certificate to prove so. Me dropping out didn’t hurt my mom, she was disappointed, but in the end I ultimately hurt myself.
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          Now I can be a voice to many like myself. I can be an example that they can do it too. They can make a change to better themselves. Giving them hope that they too can rise and accomplish goals.
 
          Thank you.