Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, family, and my fellow classmates of the class of 2024. My name is Jennifer Albertina Dominguez Soto. First, I would like to thank you all for coming and attending our graduation. Before I begin, I would like to thank the staff and all the wonderful teachers for giving me this opportunity to give the class speech. It is an honor. I would also like to thank my mami y papi, gracias por todo lo que han hecho para mi, and to Joandy and Daniel, thank you for always motivating me, you guys are the best brothers I could’ve ask for. Lastly, thank you to my best friends for always being my number one supporters.

Now let us begin. When I first came to Gateway was 17 years old. I was so nervous because I did not really like going to Westminster High school. I was different from those kids and yes, I did get picked on for having curly hair. In my opinion, I think they were jealous for not having this gorgeous hair, but they also did pick on my accent which made me self-conscious until I came here to Gateway.  Here, on the first day of school, I met the most amazing, wonderful teachers I have ever had, Mrs. Ricketts and Mrs. Koontz.

I was put in SGA and the first thing Mrs. Ricketts told me was that we had to speak on the intercom and everyone in the school would hear me. I remember I said, “what do you mean we?” I was so scared and nervous, but I did it, and I loved it. I loved every morning since then and I fell in love with coming to school again.

In SGA, we presented video announcements, and I loved being your weather girl and telling you about your weather for the weekend. I loved being on camera, hearing my voice again. Mrs. Ricketts and Mrs. Koontz gave me the push I needed to speak in front of people, and now I can speak in front of all of you.

When I moved from Prince Georges County to Carroll County, it was so different but exciting. A chance at a new beginning and Gateway was my new beginning. I felt accepted and I felt a connection with teachers and classmates, it was the best decision I ever made.

The best thing of all this was meeting Ms. Ricketts, Ms. Koontz, Ms. Krone, Ms. Murchie, Mr. Banks, Mr. Wetzel and Mr. Jones—you all are the definition of amazing teachers and mentors. You showed me that there’s still amazing teachers that not only love their job but also care about their students.

Mrs. Ricketts, you were my school mom, always making sure I was doing my best in and out of school. You showed me to be confident with my accent and that is something I will always thank you for. You showed me to be very confident in who I am. Mrs. Koontz, you were there when I needed a hug and to me you were my school grandma, always welcoming me in with a warm smile. Ms. Murchie you showed me to be proud of where I come from to always hold my head high in any room I walk in. Mrs. Krone you were the best supporter I could’ve ask for always understanding and helping me achieve my goals. And lastly, Mr. Banks, you were always there through my stressful college days telling me to “think of it as 24 hours at a time,” and ever since I started to think in that way, everything got easier and less stressful. Mr. Wetzel you are the best principal I could have asked for the most amazing and welcoming for telling me Buenos Dias in the morning and speaking Spanish with me. Mr. Jones, I met you in Westminster high school and I will always thank you for not letting where I come from define who I am but showing me, I can do anything I put my mind to.

Now the class of 2024, we have been through a lot. We made it through our own battles, Covid-19, and life in general. We are closer to 20 than we are to 16 where we thought it was far, but it is here. Our future is right now, no matter what the future has in store, we got it class of 2024.

Now I leave you all with this quote from J. Cole “No such thing as a life that’s better than yours.”

Just a reminder that there is no comparison between the sun and the moon, they both shine when it’s their time.

This speech was delivered in front of all graduating seniors, their families and friends, and the staff at Gateway School/Crossroads Middle at the graduation ceremony that took place Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the Carroll Community College Scott Center.