'Every scar that you have is a reminder not just that you got hurt but that you survived,' so the First Lady reminds the graduates to stay strong despite losses and bad things.
- Jun 10, 2015
AceShowbiz - Michelle Obama delivered emotional commencement speech before the graduates of King College Prep High School in Chicago's South Side on Tuesday, June 9. She motivated the graduates with "the real story of the South Side," a story about resilience and courage the South Side people had experienced.
The First Lady who grew up near the school shared mutual experience with the graduates. "I know the struggles many of you face, how you walk the long way home to avoid the gangs; how you fight to concentrate on your schoolwork when there's too much noise at home; how you keep it together when your family's having a hard time making ends meet," Michelle told the graduates. "But more importantly, I know the strength of this community."
Michelle also honored Hadiya Pandleton, a student of King College Prep who was shot dead in 2013 after taking her final exams. "I know that many of you have already dealt with some serious losses in your lives," she added. "Maybe someone in your family lost her job or struggle with drugs or alcohol or illness. Maybe you've lost someone you love, someone you desperately wish could be here with you tonight. And I know that many of you are thinking about Hadiya right now and feeling the hole that she's left in your hearts."
However, she also reminded them to stay strong despite the losses and bad things they must go through. "But graduates tonight, I want you to understand that every scar that you have is a reminder not just that you got hurt but that you survived," so she said.
In her speech, Michelle also urged the students to stay optimistic in the future. "I guarantee you there will be all kind of folks who are eager to help you," she said. "But they are not gonna come knocking on your door to find you. You have to take responsibility to find them." She asked them to ask for help when they have difficulties in college. She continued, "Getting a help isn't a sign of weakness but sign of strength. Then I guarantee you that you would get what you need to succeed."
