Amy Adoyzie

Our faculty of teachers made a group speech at the graduation ceremony, as a last message to our dear students. We spoke of characteristics that we’ve seen in them, and that they ought to cultivate as they continue their journeys. My portion of the speech was about strength. This was my message:

We know how strong you are, but there may still be people who will question your strength.
If anyone ever tells you that you are not strong enough to do something, you can say to them
Even if I am not strong enough to lift buildings and cars, I have the strength to lift communities and spirits.
Even if I am not strong enough to move mountains, I have the strength to help my country, and the world, move forward by fighting for equality and empowerment for everyone.
Even if I am not strong enough to break stone with my bare hands, I have the strength to break negative stereotypes of Asian women.
You say to them, I have a voice and the strength to speak up with it.
You say to them, I have my own ideas and opinions, and the strength to do what’s right.
You say to them, I am an Asian woman and I have the strength to exceed expectations and rise about limitations.
You say to them, I am an Asian woman and I have the strength to make dreams come true.