“I’ve always been a rule follower. When they said not to chew gum, I didn’t chew gum. When they said not to use your cellphone, I didn’t use my cellphone. But today, in the spirit of defying expectations, and for perhaps the last time at this podium, I say..."
Early College High School valedictorian Alem Hadzic has gone viral after he took the stage at his graduation ceremony to deliver his speech—just hours after his father's funeral.
"If you tell a person with anxiety to 'just stop,' well you might as well just stop your mouth from spitting any more unhelpful garbage that your conversation counterpart will want to take it right to the trash."
"I am a depressed Christian. I don’t mean that in the identity sense, like vegans, Crossfitters, and people who don’t own a television. I mean I’m a Christian who has dealt with depression and anxiety in various forms for many years."
"I thought I was gonna die. I had never experienced something like that. I thought I was having a heart attack... heart racing, I was running around looking for something that I couldn't find."
“Why are you crying?” I asked in frustration. “Because I just wanted a little help?!” It was one of those Mommy Moments where I felt like I should be the one crying. But then she spoke through her veil of tears.
"You see, I have been that person you hate. I have been that friend who loves you, but silently watches you and wonders why you make it so hard. I’m that Christian you roll your eyes at..."
