What people don’t know 

As you gather here today 

Wearing gowns and graduation caps 

To look presentable

Is that there were tears cried 

What people don’t know 

As you gather here today 

Laughing and smiling

To look joyful 

Is that there was once a time of hopelessness

What people don’t know 

As you gather here today

Dancing and clapping

To show your happiness

Is that there was once a time of tiredness

Behind a degree are years of suffering

Moments of sacrifice

And days and nights of discipline

Behind a degree is failure 

Mistakes made 

And achievements that were hard to fulfill

But behind a graduate

Is a human being who chose to embrace determination

Who chose to hold on to his or her ambition

And chase a dream that would lead him or her to today’s celebration

I don’t know if the word ‘Congratulations’ will be enough 

Or maybe a round of applause

But I congratulate and applaud you graduands 

After this celebration don’t cease to learn

For life will teach you as well 

Don’t cease to shine your light 

Till you reach even greater heights