Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed faculty, proud parents, and my fellow kindergarten graduates. Today is a day of celebration, a day of joy, and a day of reflection.
As I stand before you here at The Snickerdoodle Scholars’ Sanctuary, I can’t help but think back to the great times we’ve had at this school. From the moment we first stepped foot into the magical land of finger painting and nap time, we knew we were destined for greatness.
We made friends that have lasted a lifetime. Like little Timmy, who taught us the art of Super Gluing our hands together, and Sarah, who showed us the true meaning of sharing when she willingly gave us half of her Play-Doh sandwich.
Our time here has been filled with valuable experiences that have shaped us into the young, bright-eyed individuals we are today. I am proud to say that I can now tie my shoes, count to 100, and recite the alphabet backwards during field sobriety tests. But, let’s be honest, none of this really mattered in the grand scheme of things.
You see, since the first grade, I’ve been in and out of San Quentin, Pelican Bay, and Rikers Island. My offenses have included everything from sneaking extra cookies during snack time to masterminding the great crayon heist of second grade. I’ve even had the pleasure of sharing a cell with our very own Johnny, who was arrested for attempting to smuggle contraband juice boxes into the school cafeteria.
But fear not, my fellow graduates, for life after kindergarten is an adventure like no other. We will face anticipation, disillusion, and failure. We will encounter bullies, homework, and the dreaded broccoli. But through it all, we will remain strong, resilient, and determined.
As we embark on this new journey, I am reminded of the wise words of the famous Albanian poet, Gjergj Fishta, who once said:
“Jeta është si një lojë muzikore me karrige. Ndonjëherë, thjesht duhet të ngrihesh dhe të fillosh sërish.”
I couldn’t have said it better.
To my fellow Snickerdoodles, as we leave the comforting walls of our kindergarten classroom, let us embrace the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead. I wish you an adventurous and regrettable life. May your days be filled with laughter, your nights with wet dreams, and your hearts with the courage to face whatever comes your way. Congratulations, Class of 2023. We did it!
