Kateri Nakane Springboard and Collegeboard ELA and Writing Unit 4 Embedded Assignment 1 3/20/26

Before I start this, I would like to thank everyone for being here, especially my parents for always staying by my side, disciplining me, and supporting me on my journey. I could not be here right now without them. Going through academics, sports, business, and personal life wasn't easy, and there will be struggles. You have to put theoretical concepts into action. Growth is the repeated number of times that you choose to get up after you have fallen down. It's the days when you choose to defy your feelings and choose sacrifice for others and your change; it’s truly apologizing even when it stings. That is real strength and transformation.

    I remember one day when I was overwhelmed. I woke up late, had a track meet, had a writing project to finish, had a math test to study for, had a sleepover planned with my friend, had school rumors spread about me, and had additional business demands. Instead of doing what I was supposed to and calming down, I had a panic attack. Luckily, my mom heard me bawling my eyes out, and she rushed to see what was the matter. After I shared everything, we talked for some time. We organized the day and we talked about my life. She said I had a choice to stay in the depths of my emotions or to actually change and work on what I struggle with. What if I chose to keep having circular reasoning and ignore my mom? Firstly, that is hurtful to the loved one who is spending their time helping me, and secondly, I’m never going to grow up into the person that I want to be and the person that people need me to be. Taking that into account, I got up, hugged my mom, thanked her, and started to change. And that was a wonderful day and opportunity for growth. 

    So, what does this mean for you? Firstly, prioritize what's important. “Should I scroll or do my homework?” and choosing to do homework is a great starting place. Focus on moments to change and not dwell on the past. Imagine that you are the person that you want to be. How would that person act? How would they handle conflict? And when you've fallen down, how would that person push out of the muck and spring up stronger? And that’s what's going to transform you. Thank you. (Applause)