I Won by Losing

Today I faced one of the bitter sweet moment of my life. Sweet, because I was able to addresss my entire school while running for the position of Studen Body President. Bitter, because I lost.
Even though I didn't make it, I came to realize that this was one of the greatest blessings of my life. Before this, I never knew just how many people stood behind, who support me. All the sophomores, majority of freshmen, a few juniors, and a couple seniors... Things I never would have known if I never tried this.
What follows is the three minute speech that I memorized and addressed them with today at 9:45am, in our high school gym. At the end, I was surprised to see that not only was the crowd literally the loudest I've ever heard them, but there were also many giving me a standing ovation, something that I have never seen them do for anyone, before.
I didn't win the position, but to me, I won much more than that. :)



"Can I just start off by saying, that it has been an honor just being able to come up here and speak to you.
I honestly hope that you all know just how blessed you are to be a part of this school, of this community. Out of all the places that I have lived in my life, it is an honor to call this my home. 
I know that many of you don't entirely feel the same way, that you are basically counting

Poster with over 100 pictures of students.
Theme: "Caring for Your Future"

down to the day that you can book that flight out of here. Am I right?
And you know what, it's fine to have a desire to get out of here, to want to see the world; but some day what I want to see, when you're finally standing at those doors for the last time, cap and gown, I don't want you to look back and say, "Dang, Im glad to be out of here. "
No, when that day comes, I want you to be able to stand there and say that you would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I want to see you looking back at this next school year and be able to say, without a doubt, that it was the best years of your life. If not your life, then at least the best out of your high school career.
This next year, I want to help you prepare for your future, because I know that you can't do this alone, no one can.
I believe that this is not just a school, this is a team; your team, your family. 
And I believe that this team, can do anything.

Thank you."