Good evening everyone, my name is Alyssa Harris, and I am proud to be a part of the graduating class of 2019. In my life, I have realized that there are always chains that will try and hold you back, and mountains that you will have to overcome. There are some challenges that come with growing up, like learning how to be responsible, or finding out what it really means to have integrity.

But through the chains that tried to stop me in these past seven years, there have always been people by my side who have helped me to break down barriers in order to strive. Especially my parents and grandparents, who have always taught me to set realistic goals for myself, to be well-rounded and willing to interact confidently within a diverse setting, and most importantly to be the best person that I can possibly be I have been able to get past the hard times, and I have become someone who can break down every chain in order to reach for her goals.