Khuat Minh Hoi Tran Graduation Ceremony Speech
” Ladies and gentlemen, faculty members, proud parents, and, most importantly, the incredible graduates of St. Paul American School Hanoi.
Today marks a significant milestone in our lives. We gather here not only to celebrate the culmination of years of hard work but also to embark on a new journey filled with endless possibilities. As we stand on the precipice of the future, it’s essential to reflect on the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the experiences that have shaped us into the individuals we are today.
When I was small, to satisfy my curiosity whenever my dad opened a bottle of wine, he used to let me take a small sip. Every time I did, I winced at the bitter taste, questioning what was so good about it that adults (including Mr. Sean) seemed to love so much. Although all I tasted was bitterness, I remember how my dad would compliment a good bottle of wine on its sweetness and its age–the older the better.
They say, “Wine and memories intertwine.” Before, I didn’t understand the saying. Now, as I stand here in front of you all, I finally grasp the meaning behind it.
We entered high school full of enthusiasm, curiosity, and a zest for life, where anything felt possible, much the same way a fresh grape is vibrant, plump, and full of life. During this time, we can be tender and fragile like a delicate grape. It’s a phase of life where we may feel vulnerable navigating the uncertainties of adolescence and young adulthood while still developing a sense of identity and purpose. Just as grape juice will ferment and turn into wine only under the right conditions, we too require a nurturing environment to blossom. We benefited from support, guidance, and mentorship from parents and teachers. We had Ms. P who viewed us like her own children and taught us to always stand up for ourselves, Mr. Sean who enlightened us about the dangers inherent in society, Mr. La Roi who taught us to reason and think logically through The Kite Runners final essay, Ms. Oshida who provided us with emotional support no matter how tiring it was carrying all the hair for all the other English Department teachers, Coach Pop who reminded us to constantly strive to be better but not be too harsh on ourselves, Ms. D who we went to for questions about Chemistry, Biology, Economics, and English, Mr. Ethan who spent his time over the summer break organizing open gyms, bringing us to basketball games, and coaching us at local basketball tournaments, Mr. Jesse who was always so passionate about Statistics and Physics that he made us just as passionate about them as himself, Ms. Shannon who seemed tough but offered a comforting embrace in moments of vulnerability, Mr. Shiers who always tried to get to know each and every one of us better, and Mr. Gus who constantly reassured us that our university acceptances do not determine our worth. Whether directly or indirectly, each and every one of the teachers at St. Paul has contributed to providing a supportive environment that allowed us to reach our full potential.
Like the intricate flavors that wines develop during the fermentation and aging process, growing older adds depth and character to individuals. With each passing year, life experiences, challenges, and successes shape our personalities, values, and perspectives. These life experiences go beyond the classroom. It was Bao Linh letting me cry on her shoulder for 10 minutes at 8 in the morning and buying me my first ever makeup products; it was Yen waking up with me at 2 am every day during the SPS New York Trip to study for AP exams; and Jill having to share a shower with me in Hoi An during the VISA tournament – it is these memories that flavor our class in a way similar to a well-balanced wine. Much like the complex flavors that develop in a well-aged wine, it was sitting with Julie in every class we had together since 6th grade when Mr. LaPlante put us next to each other, having Xiao Xian to cheer me up when I got Covid while being all by myself in the UK, finding out that Eun Ho was incredibly good at singing on the last day of the 11th grade trip, and Jaden drawing a picture of me in Olaf form, which he named “Holaf,” that gave me such a sense of wonder and joy.
Just as winemakers carefully monitor the aging process to ensure optimal results, growing older fosters an appreciation for the passage of time. As the end of our high school chapter approached, I started to cherish the times when Ha Linh and I would walk down the C-building staircase which we (still) call the “losers’ path” to get to the bus, the time when Bomi braided my hair during a lockdown drill, and the time Daun, Seyeon, Ailey, and I gossiped about high school romances while coloring the marshmallows for an AP Environmental Science lab. For four years together, we were there for each other in both sunshine and rain, sharing everything from similar struggles to the same kind of humor. Going to university is exciting, but will anyone call me their “pookie” like Khue Anh always did? Will I have anyone to beg to go to cat cafes, like I did with Linh and Minh Anh? Will I be able to find someone who gives me hugs as big and warm as Nayeong did? Will anyone be willing to dance with me to Rasputin and Timber like Minh did?
Much like a fine wine leaves a lasting impression on those who savor it, we leave behind a legacy shaped by our actions, relationships, and contributions to society as we grow older. After we walk down the aisle today, we will continue to pursue our passions of becoming engineers, fashion icons, business managers, musicians, architects, lawyers, and so many more, and we’ll endeavor to make a meaningful impact on the world.
When a wine is first made, the tannins give it a bitter taste, just as when, in high school, the homework, the exams, and the peer pressure made us stressed and sleep-deprived. Over time, the tannins dissipate to give the wine a smoother texture and more complex flavor. Similarly, after today, when we look back on our high school years while sipping a glass of wine (when we are legal, of course), I hope you can remember the fruitful experiences and sweet memories we’ve created together and embrace the journey of growing older by recognizing the beauty and complexity that come with each passing year.
As we bid farewell to this chapter of our lives, let us do so with a sense of gratitude and optimism. We may not know what the future holds, but we do know that we are prepared to face it head-on, armed with the knowledge, skills, and determination gained during our time here.
So, to the graduating class of 2024, I say this: Congratulations! Be proud of how far you’ve come, and excited for the journey that lies ahead. Just as a fine wine matures with time, may you too evolve and enrich the world with your unique mark, the flavor you will add to the world as you make your way through it.
Oh! And before I go, I want to say one more thing. As my mom always says, “Your high school friends always hold a special place in your heart.” Let’s resist the passage of time and the distance that will separate us. Please don’t be a stranger! Text me often. Visit me when you travel to London. Call me when you need someone to talk to. Send me Tiktoks or reels that remind you of me. Invite me to your weddings and baby showers. We won’t be seeing each other five days a week anymore, but I hope I will still see you again in the years to come.
Thank you guys for everything. I love you, and once again, congratulations! “
