Before we begin, I would like to thank all of you for coming to the graduation of the class of 2022. Special thanks to Superintendent Shelly, Board of Education, Principal Chappell, WHS Staff, parents, Community of Wayne County, and my fellow graduates for working so hard to make this possible.
Effort is perhaps one of the most important lessons that people are to ever learn. The reason I believe effort is more important than, say… knowledge, skills, or achievements, is mainly because those tend to be byproducts of honest effort.
Effort was the main attributor to my success throughout school. I may have not been 1st place in many of the competitions or rankings I’ve been in, but my effort in trying my best got me close enough to my true goals. Many people think that the final results are the end-all-be-all of one’s effort. However, this accumulation of effort, especially early on, is what ultimately gave me the winning edge on a more foundational level.
I gave the effort in class to be a good student. The byproduct was good grades and the teachers liked me more. I gave effort in trying to socialize with other people and be less socially awkward. Next thing I knew, some of those people started to become my friends or started to invite me to activities. When I decided to accept invites to help out in these activities every now and then, by my senior year my scholarship applications filled themselves out.
The key point here is that effort is the main tool for success in all varieties. Someday the effort you gave in working at a part-time job may land you a high positioning job later. Or, you could just find that your life is a bit more enjoyable than the last time you remember. Your efforts are not wasted—they are simply biding their time to show results.
Whatever you think are acceptable results is completely up to you. You may think that a certain result is not enough for the amount of effort you gave. I can relate to that sentiment a lot. But, the important thing to note is that just because you don’t see the worth in it yourself, doesn’t mean other people see no worth in your efforts. It will find a way to reward you regardless of how you feel.
Now, what I want to convey is that by looking at your own efforts and others, do you feel accomplished? Do you feel like you gave the best effort? And most importantly, do you congratulate others’ efforts enough? Now, I’ve seen people arrive late to work, race against time to turn in assignments, or just try their best at being nice to someone they dislike and still being stuck up. Yes, the argument can be made that “they should not have procrastinated” or “they should just prioritize work” or “just get over it”. And, I do agree to an extent, but a part of me wants to simply cheer them on and tell them, “You’re doing the best that you can, and I can see how much effort you’re giving.” It’s better for everyone when you recognize others’ efforts. Maybe people around you will recognize your efforts in return.
Give the effort that you believe you have inside yourself. Take some effort to understand others or even yourself. Appreciate your own effort and others’ efforts, and maybe you will be gifted something in return. And most importantly, your efforts will always come back to not haunt you but to help you.
– by Mizuki Ito, Salutatorian, Wayne High School
Feature image caption: Wayne’s graduating class. Courtesy Wayne High School.
An address delivered at the Wayne High School graduation commencement, May 26, 2022.
Read Wayne High School’s Valedictorian speech here.