2024 Saugus High School graduation – The Salutatorian Address

By Gabriella Huber

We’ve all said for the past 4 years how much we can’t wait to leave, and be out on our own. Now that the time is actually here it seems like we have this great path of uncertainty that lies ahead. Soon we will be facing reality and having more responsibility than we have ever imagined. I don’t know what our futures hold, but I wish all of you the best of luck in your endeavors. We’ve grown up together, stressed over exams, SATs, and just life in general, and watched each other form the personalities and characters we have today.

A lot has happened over these past four years. There were so many major life decisions and changes that rested on our shoulders – and so many stressors that didn’t help in making those decisions. We were stressing about what we needed to get done, and when it needed to be done, in order to “succeed” in the future. After all those deadlines, essays, and tests, just know that it was all worth it. No matter where you end up, whether that be college, military, career, or a gap year, remember that everything happens for a reason and it will all work out in the end.

I believe happiness is in the eye of the beholder, and there will always be something to find happiness in, whether it be in our day-to-day lives or something we will get to experience in the future. Taking notice of all that gives us joy is a much better way to live than focusing on the negatives. Keep in mind – you should never let anyone make you feel inferior because of something that makes you happy. “If you let people’s perception of you dictate your behavior, you will never grow as a person. But if you leave yourself open to experience despite what others think, then you will learn and grow.” With that being said, failure is a part of life, but looking past the setbacks and moving forward is crucial to your success. One failure doesn’t define the rest of our lives, it doesn’t even define our day.

Remember, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” Whatever happens in life, resilience will always be needed to ensure our wellbeing and happiness. Wherever you end up in life, be proud of what you have accomplished and who you are as an individual. I know you will all do great things, and I can’t wait to see what becomes of our class in the years to come.

Sitting in front of me are future architects, tradesmen, doctors, teachers, and more. So whatever you choose to be a part of, whatever you choose to fill your time with, make sure you do so with joy and fulfillment. Work hard in areas you are passionate about, because everything in life is earned. I think my advice to you can pretty much be summed up with this quote, “Spend a little more time trying to make something of yourself, and a little less time trying to impress people.” In other words, do what makes you happy regardless of what people think of you. We only get one life, so go make the most of it and find what makes you happy. –Thank you.