{"id":2444868,"date":"2019-06-01T21:36:00","date_gmt":"2019-06-02T03:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/news\/aspen-high-school-valedictorian-keep-going-no-matter-what\/"},"modified":"2019-06-01T21:36:00","modified_gmt":"2019-06-02T03:36:00","slug":"aspen-high-school-valedictorian-keep-going-no-matter-what","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/local-news\/aspen-high-school-valedictorian-keep-going-no-matter-what\/","title":{"rendered":"Aspen High School valedictorian: Keep going, no matter what"},"content":{"rendered":"
Charismatic valedictorian Cole Petersen delivers an entertaining and heartfelt address during Aspen High School’s graduation Saturday at the Benedict Music Tent.<\/strong>
Jeremy Wallace\/The Aspen Times (mandatory)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Editor\u2019s note: The following speech was written and delivered by Aspen High School valedictorian Cole Petersen, who will attend Harvard University this fall. Petersen delivered his remarks at Saturday\u2019s commencement ceremonies held at Benedict Music Tent.<\/p>\n

Good afternoon and welcome once again to the families, faculty, administrators, community members and most importantly, to my fellow graduating seniors in the class of 2019!<\/p>\n

I am incredibly honored to be giving this speech today. The basic purpose of a valedictory address is to provide insight into life\u2019s challenges and triumphs while simultaneously instilling wisdom through thoughtful advice. And at the bare minimum, I should reduce every one of you to tears either due to hysterical laughter or a heart-wrenchingly beautiful message. Unfortunately, I am not very funny but this speech may succeed in being such a disaster that you actually cry pity tears. I have no legitimate qualifications (other than this snazzy blue big-boy bib of course), to be giving advice of my own, so I will have to appeal to a higher power: Ellen DeGeneres. Through her stand-up comedy, hilarious talk show, and work in film, she has inspired us to create a kinder more generous world while showing us the power of positivity \u2026 and good dance moves.<\/p>\n

The first Ellen lesson that I would like to share with you is that we should all find time to procrastinate more. In one of her more famous sketches, Ellen describes the human tendency to work hard now in order to save time for later. She reminds us that we don\u2019t know if we will get a \u201clater\u201d and explains that the only time we have is \u201chere and now.\u201d<\/p>\n

In high school, I was overly focused on the future. I spent too much time in the library and at my desk and not enough time with my friends or going on crazy adventures \u2014 even more reason why I should be giving a speech about life lessons! I set deadlines for when I could be happy in the future without realizing that happiness happens in the present. We are all extremely busy and while there is undeniable value in setting goals for the future, remember to pause and find time for joy now. To quote John Lennon, \u201cLife is what happens to you when you\u2019re making other plans.\u201d Try not to get caught up in what you will do, and \u201cprocrastinate\u201d a little bit more in what you are doing. Essentially, as influential rapper and scholar Sage the Gemini says, \u201cSlow down, grab the wall, wiggle like you\u2019re tryna make yo\u2026fall off. {dancing} \u201cgas pedal, gas pedal, gas pedal, gas pedal\u201d<\/p>\n

But I digress. You are all probably aware by now that I am a rather strange kiddo, but I don\u2019t mind. Mostly because I have a microphone and you don\u2019t and I really enjoy this power dynamic but also because I don\u2019t much care if I make a complete and total fool out of myself. This leads me to my next Ellen lesson: don\u2019t be afraid to embarrass yourself. Ellen stars in the classic cinematic masterpiece \u201cFinding Nemo\u201d as Dory, a loveable fish who suffers from short-term memory loss. In a way, however, this memory loss is her gift. She\u2019s not afraid to risk embarrassment by being her genuine self because she\u2019ll forget about it in ten seconds. While being yourself might not necessarily mean that you forget everything that happens in 10 seconds, it does mean that you try to see the bigger picture. In the long run, the only one who really cares that you tripped up the stairs or spelled \u201cmidday\u201d with a hyphen in the fifth grade spelling bee \u2014 which I did \u2014 is you. As long as you are trying to be your authentic self, don\u2019t let the fear of embarrassment get in your way.<\/p>\n

Additionally, whoever this authentic self of yours is, I implore you to incorporate kindness into that person. Remember that everyone is going through more than you can see and even something as simple as a smile can make a monumental difference. Find your inner Dory and know that what counts is staying true to who you are while acting with kindness and compassion. Let go of how other people choose to see you, embarrass yourself, and no matter what, be unapologetically you.<\/p>\n

I can\u2019t talk about Dory without talking about her iconic lesson of perseverance: \u201cJust keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimmming swimming swimming, what do we do we swim, swim. HA HA HA HO HO HO I love to s-w-i-i-i-im when you WAAAAANT to swim you want to swim.\u201d Unfortunately for you all I am not an opera singer, but as you can probably tell, I am a swimmer. I dedicated eight years to early morning practices, drylands, meets, and thousands of hours of training. And after giving 100% effort every day for all these years to the sport that I love, I came up short in most if not all of the goals I had set for myself: I won\u2019t be swimming in college, I never qualified for junior nationals, and I often missed time goals by significant margins. At one point I became so frustrated that I wanted nothing more than to quit. I eventually had to take a break and when I came back, I decided to try a new approach. I stopped putting as much emphasis on achieving arbitrary goals, and started trying to appreciate the work that I was putting in. I focused on becoming a mentor and a better teammate rather than on my own individual achievements. I didn\u2019t stop working hard, but I stopped using the outcomes of races as the sole measure of my success as a swimmer. Perseverance is not always about achieving a goal, but embracing an experience despite failure. As Teddy Roosevelt said, \u201cIt is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again \u2026 and who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.\u201d Remember that whatever challenges you may face in the future, failure is acceptable; complacency is not. I urge you all to dare greatly and, if you fail, just keep swimming.<\/p>\n

Although Ellen is a wonderful teacher, we must thank our amazing faculty for devoting their lives to our education. Whether we were cracking up over a hilarious math meme with Megan Noonan, trying to channel Tameira Wilson\u2019s godlike energy before a test, having a nearly existential debate with Mr. Reed over the intricate differences between Alpacas and Llamas, trying to match Jen-Ben\u2019s energy or even being ASADO (ROOOAASTED) by Regi, our teachers were helping us to become compassionate, lifelong learners. And even though we were occasionally told fun little lies like: \u201cyou can do it!\u201d in IB physics (thank you Marc Whitley) or \u201cthis fictitious book about outer space and a war with mars was meant to be analyzed by high school students for its deeper religious and societal implications\u201d (love you Cerena, Namaste), it all contributed to us becoming critical thinkers equipped to solve problems creatively. Thank you to all of our teachers for your patience and love over these 13 years. I would also like to take a moment to extend our gratitude to Tenille Folk and her unbelievable kitchen staff for feeding us over the years and Jose Solis and the incredible janitorial staff for cleaning up our messes. We are so appreciative your contribution to our schooling.<\/p>\n

Next, thank you to all of the families who have come to support us as we finish this chapter in our lives. Parents, although we may not say it enough, we truly appreciate the sacrifices you have made for us along the way. To my own mom and dad, thank you for your unconditional love. You were always your authentic selves and you obviously taught me to be myself. Your kindness, humility, humor, and positivity are inspiring and I hope I turn out to be half as amazing as you are. To my sister Grace, I have never met a more genuinely kind, humble, intelligent, and beautiful person and I am so proud to be your brother. Thank you for all of your support and I love you.<\/p>\n

And lastly, to my classmates. I want you to take a moment to be legitimately proud of yourselves. Not only are we celebrating our accomplishments today but also who we have become as individuals and a group. Each of you behind me brings uniquely extraordinary characteristics to our class. You will not meet a sweeter person than Chloe Brettmann who can make anyone\u2019s day just by smiling at them. Charlie Campisi will constantly crack you up and his endlessly positive energy is contagious. Tyler Greene slays on the lacrosse field and never fails to provide a new, insightful perspective on the world that you hadn\u2019t considered. Sierra Reeves will drop everything she\u2019s doing to be there for you in an instant and is one of the most trustworthy people you will ever meet. And Donovan Bronstein is more shredded than any of us both physically and mentally but you wouldn\u2019t know it because he is enduringly humble. There are more wonderful people here than I can possibly talk about in my limited time but please know that I am so grateful to have grown up with such an intelligent, athletic, kind, funny, and truly fantastic class. I will take the lessons that you have taught me wherever I go.<\/p>\n

Speaking of which \u2026 I would be remiss if I did not write one last cheesy Dr. Seuss inspired poem. This is based on \u201cOh the places you\u2019ll go.\u201d I\u2019ve creatively entitled my poem, \u201cOh, the places WE\u2019LL go\u201d and no that\u2019s NOT plagiarism because, as you may notice, I changed one of the words! Here it is:<\/p>\n

In the grand scheme of life<\/p>\n

There must always be change<\/p>\n

And right now, as we move on<\/p>\n

It seems rather strange<\/p>\n

But do not have fear<\/p>\n

For we venture together<\/p>\n

All sharing a bond<\/p>\n

An unbreakable tether<\/p>\n

Yes, the road will be rocky<\/p>\n

Paved with mistakes<\/p>\n

But we\u2019ll find ways to succeed<\/p>\n

No matter what it takes<\/p>\n

On the way there\u2019ll be ups<\/p>\n

And yes, also downs<\/p>\n

But when you find that you\u2019re down<\/p>\n

Get up! Look around!<\/p>\n

You may very well find<\/p>\n

Though it may not seem so<\/p>\n

That the lows are the best spots<\/p>\n

From which you can grow<\/p>\n

So get up when you fall<\/p>\n

Choose to grow from the low<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t stay stumped, persevere!<\/p>\n

Be strong and let it show!<\/p>\n

Through the crests and the troughs<\/p>\n

Through the dips and the peaks<\/p>\n

We will find in ourselves<\/p>\n

That which makes us unique.<\/p>\n

So use what you find<\/p>\n

Use what makes you unique!<\/p>\n

Be the friendliest friend<\/p>\n

Or the geekiest geek<\/p>\n

And don\u2019t waste your time<\/p>\n

Trying hard to blend in<\/p>\n

Stand out and be great.<\/p>\n

Do it proud with a grin!<\/p>\n

Measure your life<\/p>\n

Not in material wealth,<\/p>\n

Measure in joys, loves and friendships<\/p>\n

In experience and health<\/p>\n

For life is much more<\/p>\n

Than the dollars and days<\/p>\n

Life is what you make it<\/p>\n

In your own special ways<\/p>\n

So, go out in the world<\/p>\n

Embarrass yourself \u2014 have fun<\/p>\n

Take with you your childhood<\/p>\n

And all you have done<\/p>\n

Go wherever you go<\/p>\n

And make wherever place better<\/p>\n

And wherever you go<\/p>\n

Go be a go-getter!<\/p>\n

Be true to yourselves<\/p>\n

In all that you do<\/p>\n

Because from here on out, pals<\/p>\n

Your life\u2019s up to you<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s soar to our peaks<\/p>\n

And not fear the valleys<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s march proudly forward<\/p>\n

On our trails, roads or alleys<\/p>\n

Dr. Seuss said it best<\/p>\n

As I find he tends to<\/p>\n

And perhaps his advice<\/p>\n

Can help both me and you:<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have brains in our heads,<\/p>\n

we have feet in our shoes, we can steer ourselves any directions we chose\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re all off to Great Places!<\/p>\n

Today is our day!<\/p>\n

Our mountains are waiting.<\/p>\n

So Class of 2019\u2026let\u2019s get on our way!\u201d<\/p>\n

Thank you<\/p>\n

via:: The Aspen Times<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Charismatic valedictorian Cole Petersen delivers an entertaining and heartfelt address during Aspen High School’s graduation Saturday at the Benedict Music Tent.Jeremy Wallace\/The Aspen Times (mandatory) Editor\u2019s note: The following speech was written and delivered by Aspen High School valedictorian Cole Petersen, who will attend Harvard University this fall. Petersen delivered his remarks at Saturday\u2019s commencement […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-2444868","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-local-news"},"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-06-19 03:14:47","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"KSPN The Valley's Quality Rock","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2444868","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2444868"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2444868\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2444868"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2444868"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2444868"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}