Dear Class of 2021 (Your Story Isn't Over) | Sam Demma
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ส.ค. 2024
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Dear Graduating Class of 2021. Your Story Isn't Over!
Hire Sam to speak: www.samdemma.com
If you'd like to include this video in your graduation please email: sam@samdemma.com
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Speaker/Writer: Sam Demma
Director/Set Design: Francesca Demma
Videographer/Editor: Nicole Shapiro
Sound Design/Music: Arina Sharovarova
Lighting Design/BTS: Zachary Guy
Student Actor: Miles Leslie
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Join the conversation by commenting below.
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Sam Demma is an entrepreneur, youth coach, and keynote speaker. He co-founded the volunteer organization PickWaste, created the High Performing Student, delivered two TEDx Talks, and is a Board Director of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers.
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Follow me on Social Media:
Instagram: / sam_demma
LinkedIn: / sam-demma
Facebook: / samdemma99
Twitter: / sam_demma
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(Transcript)
Dear Graduating Class of 2021,
When I think about you, what I see, is hope. I see your smile, when you pull down your mask, I see your perseverance everyday showing up to a virtual class - sometimes when you don’t even want to. I see that you wanna change the world and create a more inclusive community - a community where we stand side by side, hand in hand, in unity.
But this year, hope felt really far away. Your bedroom transformed into the classroom, loneliness became the new normal and you went months without hugging or seeing your friends.
Dear Graduating Class of 2021,
This year you might not be having your typical graduation. You might not be walking across a stage and grabbing your diploma. You might not be throwing your hat up or taking pictures with your family and friends.
But, you’re still graduating. Graduating into a world that needs your gifts and talents now more than ever. And your story IS NOT over yet. Your dedication, determination and commitment still remain true.
When the universe said to change the way you learn - you said okay. When the world said keep your distance, you put aside your personal needs for the greater good of humanity. And when you got overwhelmed - you found your people, those who could help you weather this storm.
Dear Graduating Class of 2021, your story is NOT over yet.
Right now you might feel uncertain. You might feel lost and upset but mark these words, COVID-19 will not stand between you and your hopes and dreams...things will improve and as they do you will too.
You see, graduation isn’t defined by a sheet of paper, a stage or a hat. Graduation is defined by your courage. Your courage to move forward in your life. Your courage to take the next step.
So as you approach graduation I encourage you to remember this isn’t the end...it’s the beginning...So, what chapter comes next?
Is it the start of your dream job?
The beginning of another 10 years of education?
The birth of a new idea, company or social movement?
Or the start of a brand new life?
Dear Graduating class of 2021,
This is YOUR beginning. Look ahead, in front of you and see the future you wanna create, and glance back, behind you, knowing that although things didn’t go as planned you’re the only person who can write your future and the pen is resting in your two hands.
Be bold. Be courageous. Be kind to those around you. And never stop putting one foot in front of the other, because your story is not over yet...it’s just beginning...
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Here is a little section just to rank in search.
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Great work, Sam!! Well done 👏👏👏
Thanks so much, Matt! Have been and will continue to be inspired by your work. Appreciate the support 🤓🤓
Ngl, Sam has been super inspiring for me! He has made my life way easier and grateful! Keep up the good work Sam! 👍👌
@@YourDailyContent1011 Thanks, man. Appreciate the kind words :-)
The real deal buddy
Nice one
it’s hard to be a senior this year, because no one has really paid attention after last years grad class (grad of 2020, you are amazing as well). to the rest of my fellow graduates, we are doing amazing, even though the world may seem forgetful about us during these times, we all have been doing such an amazing job. Thank you Sam for putting this video together. as a graduate this year, i feel so appreciated through this video❤️
I'm so so happy that this video made you feel seena and appreciated. Keep writing your story and chasing your dreams :)
As a senior that is a month away of graduating your words made my heart fell warm because you made me fell appreciated and less scared to start my new journey in college
Hi Keidy, your comment made my heart feel warm. Thanks for sharing :)
Thank you, I’m class 2021 and it’s nice to have this kind of reassurance when it feels like no one cares and the whole world is against us.
Hi Rana, you're so welcome and deserve so much more than what occurred this year. Keep your head high! I'm excited to see what you write for your next chapter :-)
Being a 2021 senior, it’s so hard and I loved every second of this video and balled my eyes out because, it is so true. It’s been a crazy and I’m predictable year🥺I’ve pushed through and it’s hard.
Im so so glad this video touched you in a small way!! Your story is not over yet... I cannot wait to see what you write in your next chapter. Keep pushing and good luck :-)
As a Teacher of 12th graders, I cried while watching this because this is exactly what they need to hear and know. "They are the ONLY ones who can write their future and the pen is in their hands." Such a Great Video and will be showing it tomorrow for Monday's Motivation! Thank you for this!
Nicole...thank you so much for the kind words. This comment made my day. I cannot wait for you to share this video with your class, they're going to love it. Two quick things:
1. How did you find this video?
2. We're hoping millions of students see this video before they graduate this year. Would it be too much to ask to have you share this with your colleagues and school district? Your support would mean the world and help us get the video in front of more students.
Thank you so much :-)
Sam
@@Sam_Demma As a senior teacher, 3 years ago I started Motivational Mondays, where I show a short video at the start of each week and keep it as my focus in whatever I am teaching. (I teach English.) So weekly I am looking for the next week's video. Your video came up on my list of motivational videos when I seared on YourTube - "Final week of Motivational Videos for the Class of 2021" (You were #1!!) - And what a Way to End my LAST Monday of teaching. I will definitely send it to my Principal, and will also be posting it on Twitter (if that is okay with you) next week. I think EVERY senior should see this video before they graduate!
@@nicoleappelman5605 I love the idea behind your series. Such a unique concept!! Thank you so much for your willingness to share. You 100% have my permission... I'll keep my eye out for twitter @Sam_Demma. Have a great week Nicole :)
Watching this with one last week of school left, and it’s really reassuring. Especially the line “it’s not the end of your story; it’s only the beginning.” Thanks for the kind and heartfelt message Sam, it meant a lot for me during this tough time.
Your welcome Andrew. I'm happy you found the video :)
We used this for the opening of our school graduation ceremony! So moving!
Thanks for letting me know, Steve! That is awesome. What school are you at?
@@Sam_Demma I work for Pwhs in Gatineau Quebec
@@MrSwenny13 Very cool. Glad the video found you and your school!
This made me bawl my eyes out. I kept telling myself that this year could've been worse and I kept saying "at least we had this or that", but deep down I felt terrible. We missed out on so many amazing things and more importantly some of the best things high school offers just once in a high school career. We happened to miss out on so much just because we were met with a virus at an inconvenient time. But the way you described our class at the end of this video as tough go-getters and taking on a challenge hopefully no one else will have to ever go through again really moved me. Thank you for this great work of cinematography and writing!
You're welcome! The resilence you built this year will serve you for the rest of your life. Keep writing your book :)
I am graduating very soon (a month) and I truly needed to hear this. Thank you 💕
You're so welcome. Thank you for letting me know Kaitlyn. Good luck on your next chapter :)
I graduated this year. What an amazing graduation speech. Happy graduation to all who graduated with me this year .
Congratulations !!!
Wow! Thank you for this! This really uplifted me so much! I was so upset thinking we are so unlucky to have to go through our Senior year like this!! I will say though, I graduated this year with pride in myself that I didn’t give up and got my diploma!! It was so hard for me and all of us 2021 graduates but we did it!! Go Fellow Class Of 2021!!!!🎓💕
Thank you so much Sam for putting into words all the things I’ve wanted to tell my daughter who has struggled in school since the beginning of the pandemic. She is about to graduate university, although delayed due to these struggles. We are so proud of what she’s been able to do and know she will go forward to do great things. 🥰
You're so welcome, Mary. Best of luck to her in all her future endeavours :-)
Awesome message! The graduates of 2021 are just beginning on a great journey, on their great story. Thanks for reminding them. :)
Thanks Steven! Long time no talk... I can't wait for the St.Annes celebration !!
@@Sam_Demma I am so looking forward to it. I don't have a gr12 class but have been given permission to attend and to introduce you. A true honour!
Incredible Sam! I cannot wait to play this for my students. Your words are so genuine and true! I join you in celebrating the graduates of 2021! I know as my students look back over this past year... a definite highlight was being part of your High Performing Student Course! Thank you for your constant source of inspiration!
Thank you so so much Laurie. This message made me smile. Really appreciate it. Keep up the amazing work :))))))
I just graduated high school this year. Sending greetings from Switzerland. I was supposed to graduate last year but failed. But now I succeeded. I will study pharmacy at the ETH in Zurich and I am so happy now.
Thank you for giving me with your video some hope along with my future.
You're so welcome. Best of luck with your future plans. You're doing an amazing job :)
Thank you. My daughter is a graduate this year and so much of what you’ve said has struck home. Brought tears to my eyes. Tears of sadness for all that has been lost to this graduating class but tears of pride as well for all that this class and my daughter has accomplished. Well done!
Hi Kristina, thank you so much for the kind message. I'm glad the speech resonated with you and your daughter.
The resilience she built this year will serve her for the rest of her life :)
Wow, that electrified me to my core. Heck yeah! I'm ready to start writing.
Congrats on finished this chapter of your life ... keep writing :)
This was really needed, especially since I graduated yesterday and tho I was a little lucky with how my year was..it felt weird that I actually did it but this helped a lot with my future uncertainties, thanks!
So glad this message resonated with you !!
Thank you so much. I needed this🥺❤
You're so welcome :)
Sam, "my 4th son"!!! I am so proud of you! What an amazing STORY for 2021 Graduates! Graduation = Courage ...love it!!! :)))))) What's your NEXT chapter students??? We BELIEVE IN YOU! Be bold. Be courageous. Be kind. It's only just beginning! Joanna, Prepskills & US College Expo
Thank you again for all your support, Joanna !!!! It means the world to me :))))))). Keep up the amazing work !!!
Let's connect ❤️
After you watch the video send me a message on Instagram: instagram.com/sam_demma/
What an amazing message from an inspiring young man! Well done Sam.
Thank you so much for the kind words Tracey :-)
Much respect brother keep spreading this energy in the world. It’s needed.
Thank you, brother!! I will 100% continue.
Sam this is beautiful - as someone who works in education this really gave me a lump in my throat - your very talented! Thanks for sharing this!
Thank you so much Cherise - this really means a lot. Thank you for the support and kind words :)
What encouragement! (during these challenging times.)
Thanks, Roger! Glad you liked the speech.
Class of 2021 let's all togather put this emoji 🎓 in the comments
🎓🎓🎓
🎓
🎓
@@taisirkassem4596 🎓🎓🎓🎓🎓🎓
@@Lesliehutcheson6526 🎓🎓🎓🎓🎓🎓
As someone from the class of 2021, thank you. This meant a lot. 🎓
You're welcome!! Thank you for watching :)
Sam, thank you for this. It truly means a lot. As a graduate this year, it's been tough. So thank you❤️🎓
Kat, you are so welcome. Thank you for reaching out to let me know it touched you in a positive way :)
However nice to hear,
my cousins who don't graduate this year are lucky. They will learn more than me. they have a better environment to understand.
When applying for a job, the fact that I graduated inmidst of pandemic is not even considered.
I have to put in more effort than those who will graduate in physical classes.
Yet there is no one to understand.
Covid 19 was a curse on my life.
Due to online exams people's exact skill is NOT identified.
Cheating is prevellent.
Virtual classes are less efficient. Even if I worry there is no use. As if I had a choice.
I know I was strong, I was bold. But only how much you have learnt matters.
So whatever pain you may undergo only your final knowledge is considered!
I sometimes feel my life is ruined. But I don't have a choice but have to continue.
None can understand my pain. None can understand my depression. It's another twist of fates knife.😔😔😔
Hi Majorie, I hear you and agree with the challenges this year has presented. As someone who created a life presenting to students in schools I can tell you that I too had an insanely difficult two years and contemplated quitting back in May. With that said, here is the beautiful thing about life. Two people can go through the same challenge and have a totally different result and it all comes down to your perspective.
"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is perspective, not the truth. If you don't like something, change it."
I hear you, and challenge you. We're going through this together and I feel your pain.
@@Sam_Demma Thank you so much Sam Demma you have no Idea how much this means to me.
The challenges one face is
difficult. But not having anyone to understand you is more painful.
I feel that you understand what I was feeling. I have lovely people around me, but inmidst of their worry they couldn't see mine.
We don't know each other personally but I am grateful for your words.
This is exactly what I wanted to hear. I will be reading your comment over and over again!! ;)
I know the journey is hard, I envy the people who didn't graduate this year.
But some how I find hope.
I get a feeling that Having virtual classes is better than nothing. Being occupied is better than being idle.
Thank you. You reduced my mental pain. :)
There is somuch to say but I cannot put it in words. :|
Thank you.
I hope everything comes back to normal very soon and,
Wish me good luck! ;)
( By the way I am Biancaa.
Marjorie is my mother's name ) :)
@@marjoriepoppy9125 I gotchu. Keep your head high and keep being your own biggest supporter!! LETS GET THIS!
@@Sam_Demma 😊😊😊 sure thankyou.
Thank you! My daughter is a 2021 graduate. She is preparing for a career in the medical field. I think this pandemic helped her decide. She is going to make a difference in own way.
That is amazing. Best of luck to your daughter !!
Sam, man...this is phenomenal. You should be so proud of what you've created here. I hope is that every graduating student is able to hear these words! Well played...
Thank you so much, Matt! You and I have the same hope :)
Thank you, Sam, always possitive and truly inspirational.
You're so welcome. Thank you so much for the support!
One week till graduation and im already crying
I hope this brought you a little more peace of mind
I am a grading student of 2021 and I loved this video! All very well said. Thank you
Hi Rose! Thank you so much for the kind words. Glad you loved this :)
You are a truly special person❤️ Thank you so much for this
Thank you so much Eden
My teacher Mr.Pimentel showed me this and im so inspired
Fire ! 🔥 So grateful I had the opportunity to be apart of this! 🎬💯
So grateful we made it work brother. Biology had to wait for this masterpiece :)
@@Sam_Demma haha you’re right!
Thank you Sam. That’s mean a lot to us as a graduation of 2021
You're welcome Midoo, thank you for watching and spreading some positivity :)
LETS GOOO!!’
Thank you brotha!!
Sam that was awesome! Francesca you’re so talented this was amazing!!!
Thanks so much, Alyssa :). Glad you enjoyed the video!!
I needa to hear this 🤩🥰 thank youuu.
You're so welcome!! Glad it found you at the right time :)
Thanks sooo much for this Sam! I am not a graduating student however I have been inspired. Keep up the great, amazing work
If you don’t do one for 2022 I will cry myself to sleep every night
Just because you posted this I promise I'll make one for you next May. Deal?
@@Sam_Demma I love you truly
SO AMAZING 👏❤️ thank you for making this!
Anytime brother :). Appreciate you watching !!
Congrats Sam love always your father and to his fellow classmates of 2021
Thanks William! Appreciate your support :-)
Very inspirational Sam, thank you!
Thank you LouAnn!! I told you the video was coming soon, haha :)
Well done, Sam. Great words of encouragement to all our young people. 😁👍👍
Thank you Glory :)
I'm a class of 2021 Graduate 🎓
Congratulations !! Good luck on the next chapter of your life :)
I watched this for school but this video was actually good
Hey Bro, what school are you from? Where did you watch?
I’m bawling 😭
In a good way...hopefully :)
Amazing video Sam!
Thanks Tom! This was definitely a labour of love...appreciate the support!
Well done Sam, very inspirational!
Thank you for the support and encouragement, Julie. Hoping more students see this before they graduate :-)
Yes Sam!👏🏼
Thanks Michael !!
🔥🔥🔥 This is phenomenal!
Thanks Codi! Appreciate the support :) :)
"When last year class says it was hard you say "hold my cap""
Implying that us class of 2020 are weaklings.
No not at all! In fact, we even made another video for your graduating class last year. That line is hyperbole and a little joke.
I think you guys are stronger than us, tbh. I almost ended myself at the beginning of senior year (fall 2020) bc I couldn’t take it anymore.
I need to use that intro idea, it’s amazing
Glad you enjoyed it brother. Thank you
This video just made me more pissed off about graduation.
Great video, should have made it for the 1st Covid grads if 2020
Would you be impressed if I told you we made one for the class of 2020 as well?
Check it out: th-cam.com/video/5CRKGdzAlYk/w-d-xo.html
Well played
Little do they know, you are the genius behind the thumbnail 🤓😂
Great work
Thank you very much!
Why is your live private for my school
Hmm, not sure :)
dope video
I'm glad you liked it !! Thanks for watching
I wonder how much dropouts for 2021
It has definitely increased this year... tough time for education for sure :((
Hello, I wanna ask your permission to use your video in our virtual ceremony😊
👏🏽👏🏽
Thanks Nikki !!
♥️♥️
Thanks Johnny!! Means a tonne man :)
Really my story is over thanks for nothin
same bro
*👍супер и привет от тренера по футболу!*
Thanks Coach!!