I would like to say 5 words to each and every person tonight. 

I am proud of you.

You’ve done so much to get to where you are, you made it so far 

and you deserve happiness – for each bruise, pimple and scar

You’ve fought each battle in your life to the best of your ability.

And no matter who stands in your way, no matter the enemy.

You are doing your best, you are worth it.

And I am proud of you. 

Discharge happy thoughts. Discard dismal dialog distracting you from your best destination.

You can disagree with me, but that doesn’t change the fact that 

I’m proud of who you are. 

Whether you finally finished that essay that can forever alter your grade.

Or you just got out of bed, did nothing else and then came here.

You did amazing. That essay wasn’t going to write itself

And you still got out of bed, we’ve all been there, you did something. That’s all that matters.

We all need some love. We all need a hug.

Let the person next to you understand they’re loved.

This may seem sappy, it may seem clique.

But maybe, just this once, clique can be okay. 

You guys did your best, 

even if you did nothing, you deserved that rest.

So tonight. Don’t clap for me. Clap for yourself. 

Clap as loud as you can because you deserve that sign of wealth. 

That personal wealth that means you love yourself.

Seize your day.

And never forget.

I am proud of you.