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