Wow, so many memories! I won’t bore you with all my own, but I just want to let you guys know that you will never forget those. I’m Charlotte, a graduated senior from Chesapeake High school. It’s almost hard to believe that about 7 years ago I was in this exact same spot giving a speech about my fifth grade memories. Since then, I’ve run varsity track and field, became class vice-president, and an advanced placement honors student. I’m here today to give advice to all the students who are moving on to the next exciting part of life. So here it goes:
If I could say anything to my fifth grade self, it would be to stress less. As a student, I would always obsess over all the little things, and it was not worth it. I still remember sitting in Mr. Baker’s math class, crying at the first sight of a complicated problem (and I’m sure he remembers too). I also remember sitting in Mrs. Elsis’ office popping bubble wrap after the fact. I would always see that problem, lose my focus, psych myself out, and give up for the rest of the test. Don’t do this, trust me when I tell you that it is not worth the tears. Instead of panicking and breaking down, take control of your learning. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to tell someone that you need more help, and don’t ever give up on yourself. Most importantly, be confident in your abilities. If you know the answer, then own it; raise your hand proudly, and don’t let the fear of being wrong stop you from actively participating in your education. Know that it’s okay to be wrong, and you will be sometimes because you’re human and it happens, but don’t let it stop you from trying again. If you always work hard and put in your best effort then you will succeed in everything you do.
My second piece of advice to all the promoting fifth graders here, is to stay “wild about learning” for the rest of your life. Don’t miss out on opportunities because you didn’t try or you let someone else convince you not to. And especially, don’t you ever, never in your life let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough, because you are 100% good enough to do anything you set your mind to. You will never regret putting yourself out there and giving a difficult task your best effort. Even if it doesn’t work out the way you planned, you will feel good that you at least tried. As you enter middle school, there will be so many new opportunities for you to explore. So take the honors math class, join the soccer team, be a member of that really cool club, and make a new friend. Take every single chance that you get to push yourself harder and expand who you are as a person, because you might even surprise yourself by it. Knowledge is power, and the chance to learn at least one new thing every day is an incredible superpower to take with you on your journey through the jungle of life.