My name is Melissa Gonzalez and I am blessed by the grace of God to stand before you as the Valedictorian of Pioneer’s Class of 2021.
When I was told that I was to give the valedictorian speech for our class I stared in disbelief as I never thought someone like me would make it this far. Although I am unbelievably proud of myself for making it to this moment, I can’t take all the credit. I would be nothing without the fearlessness, resilience, and courage of my immigrant parents. My parents immigrated to the United States from foreign countries with just a few dollars in their pockets with the hopes of a better life. However, a better life is not synonymous with an easier life, as both my parents were forced to take on physically-exhausting jobs. It was not their dream, but they did what they had to do to survive in this country. They gave up their hopes and dreams so that I could pursue my own and for that, I am forever in their debt.
This country is full of possibilities, but at the same time, it is full of struggle. My father, unfortunately, fell victim to the struggle and took his life my sophomore year, which broke my heart but has filled me with the most determination to make him proud.
It was only thanks to God l was able to push forth as he instilled in me a great sense of strength and put into my life only the most kind-hearted people. So to my dad, I miss you — but I will continue to push forth and live the way you were unable to do.
To my mom, words can’t begin to capture how grateful I am to have such a powerful woman in my life who was able to take on the role of both mom and dad. You may think you aren’t doing enough, but in reality you have given me the world.
To graduate high school and advance to college may seem like a small feat to some. But to me, a first-generation student, being able to pursue higher education is a dream come true.
As I move on to study my passion at Dartmouth College this fall, in the back of my mind is my family back in their home countries struggling to get by. This is why, in everything I do, I represent my people, our struggles, and the constant stereotypes we have to face in this country.
“You’re smart… for a Hispanic person” is something I have been told countlessly, even by my own friends. I would laugh it off but on the inside, I couldn’t help but question if they were right.
It took a long time for me to realize that they were not right. I learned to never let people or a stereotype confine me to what I can do or what I think of myself. So if there is one thing I hope you take away from this speech today, it is to never doubt yourself or compare yourself to others. In this life, it is not other people you compete with.
The only person you should be in constant competition with is yourself. Learn from past mistakes and grow from them. You are not confined to whom you used to be. Become who you wanna be.
With all that being said, thank you to the Pioneer administration for always being so understanding of my circumstances. To my best friend Emily and her parents Valeria and Carlos for treating me like a second daughter and showing me that family is more than blood. To my father in heaven and mother for giving me the universe and its stars. A mi abuela quien es un rayo de sol en mi vida. But above all, gracias a Dios, and all praise to the most high for without his grace I would not be standing here today on this stage.
A special congratulations to the Class of 2021 for making it this far! Remember to grow, live life to the fullest, and be humble.
Revere resident Melissa Gonzalez graduated from the Pioneer Charter School of Science in Everett and will attend Dartmouth College in the fall. She delivered her valedictorian speech on June 8.
