MHS Class of 2014 Graduation Speech: Elizabeth Lanzilla

The following speech, provided by Medfield High School, was written by Elizabeth Lanzilla and given at Medfield High School graduation on June 8, 2014. 

This Is It

Good afternoon distinguished faculty, loved ones, and my wonderful peers in the Class of 2014. Wow. We can finally say for the last time what has been rolling off our tongues all year: this is it. Let that sink in for a moment. This is it. The past couple of months I have been pondering this phrase. What exactly is “it?”

A definition of “it” defined by me: (n). A culmination of memories. Class of 2014, we have had memories. Do not let them fade. Remember the craziness of less than a month ago, when we danced the night away in flowing dresses and dashing tuxes? Never forget your parents taking a million pictures and the smile on your face as you twirled around. Athletes, I will always be envious of your talent. Feel the ball bouncing with you, the crack of a bat, a stick in your hand, the rush of water, or the pumping of legs whenever you need to recall what dedication and passion are. My beloved drama friends: remember that love is being yourself in a society fostering the make – believe. All you brilliant musicians, the beauty of your music will always be with me. I find myself humming one of your pieces after every concert. Carry that music with you as well. Class of 2014, remember the friends and impact you have made in everything from Science Olympiad and Community Teens to Badminton Club and Clay Club. Always dance like you did on the Senior Cruise. Always cheer like you did at the Pep Rally. Always remember the teachers who touched your lives. But, in the midst of all that, do not underestimate the smaller memories: the smell of an old copy of Shakespeare, neon attire on a Friday night under the lights, the thrill of the senior parking lot lottery, lunches on the picnic tables, and the exquisite art show pieces hanging in the lobby. Remember this. Remember everything. After all, the definition of “it” is right here. This is it.

I am so proud of each and every one of you and all you have accomplished. I nearly happy cry whenever one of you tells me your future plans. I am not exaggerating.  Why? Because your “it,” your culmination of memories, never stops growing. And with each of you, “it” will be beautiful. I will withhold from falling into cheesy graduation speech territory here (although I may have already wandered) by saying you will never be hurt. You all will. But that just makes your “it” even more beautiful.   

Class of 2014, make your “it” be even more than beautiful. Amazing.  Stupendous.  Worthwhile. Something to be proud of. I am not an expert. But I have been reflecting about the future lately and I want to remind you, Class of 2014, of fourteen pieces of advice to accomplish the perfect “it”:

1. Do not be afraid of love. Go with it and enjoy. 
2. Do what you want with your life. Despite what others will tell you, no one knows what you want better than yourself. 
3. Chase down memories, not logic. 
4. Dance in the rain, and in the sunshine too. 
5. Eat that last piece of cake. It’s calling your name.
6. Be goofy. Be weird. Be whatever you want. 
7. Call your parents, or your grandparents, or anyone you love. Keep relationships alive. 
8. Be smart – the kind of smart that tells you to leave a situation, that warns you of danger.
9. Giggle and erupt into full-blown grab-your-sides laughter whenever you can.
10. Stand up for yourself and your neighbor. 
11. Always take the time to reflect and ask, “am I happy?” Find out why you are and keep doing it. Find out why you are not and stop doing it. 
12. Opportunity seldom knocks twice. Answer on the first knock.
13. Smile
14. Remember where you come from. We are all linked to this town, this wonderful little shelter for us to always come back to and find ourselves, Medfield. There were times I could not wait to get out. I wanted to explore the world. I wanted to say goodbye small town, hello universe. But now I do not. Now I am here and there is nothing I wish more than to have another year with all of you. It is funny how positions change so quickly. Is it too late for all of us to repeat senior year?