In a heartfelt moment at the Rollins College graduation ceremony, nonverbal graduate Anna Smith made a profound impact on her classmates with a moving speech, utilizing a communication device to convey her thoughts. As one of five valedictorians, Smith was unanimously chosen by her peers to address the audience, demonstrating her exceptional achievements despite her unique challenges.
“Today we come together to celebrate our accomplishments,” she began, sharing her journey with autism that limits her ability to speak. Smith recounted the difficulties she faces, including motor challenges that make simple tasks like tying shoes impossible without help. “I have typed this speech with one finger, with a communication partner at my side. I am one of the fortunate nonspeaking individuals who have learned to type. This skill has allowed my voice to break free from silence, much like my inspiration, Helen Keller.”
Smith addressed a crowd of 500 people, proudly standing among her fellow valedictorians, each of whom achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA. She acknowledged her peers: Sarah Johnson, Michael Thompson, Lisa White, and David Lee, and celebrated their collective successes.
Drawing inspiration from Fred Rogers, another notable Rollins College alumnus, Smith highlighted the importance of using one’s voice for the greater good. “I remember learning about Mr. Rogers during my freshman year. When he passed away, a note was discovered in his wallet that read, ‘Life is for service.’ This simple yet powerful message resonates deeply with me.”
She shared her personal struggles, recounting a painful incident from her high school days when a principal dismissed her potential. “Yet today, I stand before you as a testament to perseverance. I choose to celebrate each victory, big and small, and today is a monumental victory.”
Smith expressed her vision for the future, saying, “I have a dream—much like Martin Luther King Jr. I dream of communication for all. There are millions of nonspeaking individuals with autism worldwide who are trapped in silence. My life’s work will focus on giving them a voice and helping them find their way. What is your dream?”
Her mother, Patricia Green, reflected on their journey, recalling the emotional moments and challenges they faced. “I cried tears of joy at graduation. It has been a long road, filled with moments of despair. I hope other parents see that their children are capable of achieving great things, and that we must continue to advocate for them.”
“I am not unique. All nonspeaking individuals with autism can learn to type,” Smith emphasized in a subsequent interview. “We need to shift the narrative surrounding autism. Just because someone cannot speak doesn’t mean they lack thoughts or feelings.”
Her closing words resonated deeply with her classmates as she encouraged them to remember the importance of service. “Write ‘life is for service’ on your commencement programs and keep it close. God has given you a voice. Use it. Yes, it’s ironic that a nonverbal person urges you to speak, but if you can recognize my worth, you can see the value in everyone you meet.”
Following graduation, Smith plans to expand her nonprofit, Voice for All, which aims to make communication accessible for the many individuals with autism who are nonverbal or have limited verbal skills. For those interested, this blog post delves deeper into similar inspiring stories, while this resource provides valuable information on related topics. Additionally, this link is a great resource for understanding pregnancy and home insemination.
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In summary, Anna Smith’s graduation speech serves as a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from overcoming obstacles and the importance of using one’s voice to uplift others. Her journey emphasizes the potential within every individual and the need for understanding and advocacy in the face of challenges.