AS Valedictorian: Be True To Yourself

by Dora Raymaker · 2009-07-02 16:14:00 UTC
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close up of a woman's belly with a tattoo of five different snowflakes across itThe feeds are full of graduation stories this time of year, and Littleton (NH) had a graduation with a message about labels. The Valedictorian referenced his AS in his speech,

"I was born with Asperger's Syndrome," said Valedictorian Christopher Beaulieu during his address. "Being labeled as having Asperger's, I was told I couldn't do things such as telling jokes or giving speeches. Despite those assumptions, I have earned the opportunity to speak here today. I'm saying this because I'd like to make a point about labeling."

He advised his classmates and those in the audience to be true to themselves.

"Don't be a lemming. Follow your own path, even if it means some of your so-called friends might not approve of it," Beaulieu said. He received a standing ovation.

The Salutatorian sent the message in another way--instead of a spoken communication to the audience, she played a song on her clarinet; a medium that was more comfortable for her personally.

Assumptions, labels, and stereotypes are destructive after a point. There are so many benefits to being true to one's self (like an innovative way of giving a speech!). These young people happily have this to guide them at the start of their adult lives.

Dora Raymaker
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