Words of wisdom presented by pair at WHHS graduation
West Holmes valedictorian Sami Latouf explored the moments of taking snapshots of life during his graduation speech.
When thinking about a class valedictorian, one might think that person has every duck in a row, everything aligned and living on top of the world, ready to attack and succeed at every turn.
Knights senior Sami Latouf certainly has prepared well for life, but he also talked about something that at times touches every single person regardless of where they stand, that being self-doubt.
During Latouf’s speech he spoke about how people often talk about their days in high school as “the good, old days.”
“How much of high school will we actually remember?” Latouf said.
He remembered watching a TV show and a character spoke about a mental camera, the idea being that people take mental photos of life’s special moments and upload them into a private gallery in their mind.
“Our own mental snapshots of life,” Latouf said.
He said he looked back at his own mental snapshots and recognized something. Many of them involved times of doubt.
“It consisted of many great memories, but in each picture, there was always doubt, from questioning my own academic or athletic abilities or whether or not I want to get up off my couch to go hang out with my friends,” he said.
Latouf said doubt plays no favorites and affects everyone at various points throughout life.
“Doubt has always influenced my life,” Latouf said. “Everyone here has some experience with doubt. But I’ve learned something. When you give into doubt, your negative thoughts and fears are more likely to come true. But when you fight it, when you build against doubt, those are the moments that push you to the next chapter. Those are the moments you’ll remember.”
Latouf said his former tennis coach always preached about playing one point at a time, regardless of the score.
He talked about how small steps are what is needed when doubt comes knocking, and sometimes taking time to slow down and take a breath is all that is needed to refocus.
“When you triumph over your doubts, both big and small, those are what shape your mental gallery, the moments that define you,” Latouf said. “So go out into the world and be triumphant. Don’t sit around and reminisce about the good, old days. Go out and make new memories to fill your library before it’s too late.”
He then captivated the crowd by taking one last photo memory, turning his back to the crowd, pulling out his phone and snapping a selfie with his classmates behind him.
He then thanked each and every person who has helped create snapshots of life in his mental gallery, noting each person played a role in helping him grow.
Salutatorian Elijah Piatt presented his speech, focusing on the topic, “That’s Life,” and encouraged his classmates to not be afraid to look to others for help as they move into the next phase of life.
“As we move on in life, we will go our separate ways, whether we want to or not,” Piatt said. “That’s life.”
He talked about how some will go on to college, others to the work world and others to serve their country.
He said he was certain this group would find success, but it comes with a caveat.
“On the way to success, we will find hardships,” Piatt said. “Job searches may end up dry. Loans may need paid off. Our mental health may not be doing so great. No matter what path you’re taking, life may not play fair. You’re going to fall … a lot.”
He said picking oneself up is imperative but at times can seem difficult, but he said that is why leaning on others is so critical to success.
“I implore you look to others for help,” he said. “After you’ve been hit enough and knocked down over and over again, it’s going to get hard to find the will to get back up.”
He said he has dealt with plenty of doubts and insecurities throughout high school but said learning to find solace in friendships is inspiring, allowing others to help bear the load.
He said family, friends, mentors and others can help difficult times become more bearable.
“Don’t be afraid to go back to your family,” Piatt said. “They have been with you since day one. Look for your friends. True friends will always be there for you.”
He said look to leaders in the community who have compassionate spirits and understand and care about the well-being of others.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help from those around you,” he said, adding each one of them also can be the person supplying the compassion. “Tell people you know and love that they can talk to you. Be that light for your people, your family and community. You’ll never know if someone has no one. Never forget the people around you and always be lamps of light.”