(Speech delivered on the occasion of my High School Reunion in 2011, *slightly revised)
Good afternoon classmates. I am so happy to see all of you after so many years.
I am supposed to deliver an inspirational message. But what am I going to say that you do not already know? I mean look around you. Each and every one of us is doing great in our own different ways. You do not need anyone to stand up here and talk about success, or life, or what we want to do with it. You already know that.
We all have gone a long way, made different choices, faced different battles. But whatever it is that you have chosen in life, as long as you’re happy with it, then that is all the inspiration that we need. There is no one in this room who can tell you that her life is more inspiring than yours.
My experience is as good as any of yours, and your success is as good as mine. Because today there are no sections, today there are no honour graduates. We all left that, 20 years ago, when we each faced the real world and carved our own paths. And today we are all here, because we have overcome our own battles, or still trying to, and ready to face everything else that will come our way. And for that, we should be proud.
So today, I want us to celebrate.
Today, I want each of us to be here, unhesitatingly, wholeheartedly, and yes, spectacularly. With no comparison, no regrets, no apologies.
So let’s all say this together (repeat after me). This is the life I have chosen. I make no apologies.
Cheers to all the members of the class of 1991, and here’s to the beautiful people that we have become and to the better persons we can still be. Cheers!