Travis+D’s+Final+AmEx+Speech+2017

For the past 2 weeks I’ve been, or at least trying to find a topic for this speech. I would find a topic, make a couple solid sentences and trash the idea because i couldn’t uphold the same quality throughout the entirety of the speech. This went on for some 1, 2, maybe 15 different ideas, and It wasn’t until, I’d say, about 8 last night that I just said… Fuck it, I’m going to use all of them. I just feel like rephrasing the same sentence like 4 different times, sprinkling a few words off the thesaurus here and there would get just a little bit dull, not only to say, but to listen to. I couldn't find myself to create some gut wrenching story, bringing others to tears. I can’t move a crowd like Colin, Sinjin, or Gabby, whose speeches were truly incredible. So I’ll just be me.

So to start off, because I think it's pretty relevant: In the America I grow old in, procrastination will not be as or not at all prevalent. First off, this isn’t going to happen, but I can dream. Inaction in general is a pretty significant problem in our society I believe. I mean the amount of books I could have read, instead of complaining I have no time to read books is pretty ridiculous.

In the America I grow old in, we won't get so distracted by things like fidget spinners or………. Oh sorry there was a fly, where was I? Uhhh I’m just going to the next one. When applying to Colleges, admissions will only take into account the grades that matter for your major, so if you’re interested in engineering they’ll look at your math and science grades. This will hopefully take away stress from those who insist on taking all AP classes and will also allow those same people to focus on the subjects they’re actually interested in, crazy right? But until then, Geib, my grades at like a 78 and I’d really appreciate it if you could bump that up for me.

Grades aren’t the only thing that irk me at school. Those people that walk super slow in hallways like I didn't think that being a senior meant you actually act and move like a ninety year old, like damn, move it grandma. In my future America I hope to see a less simple minded media. One where click bait and just flat out lies aren’t claimed as “sensational journalism”. Where consumers are not tricked into buying their abs in 30 seconds program, or any other B.S. products void of any actual truth.

I wish for not only the media to be true, but for people to be true to themselves, where there will be no need to please anyone else. You know, i'm just tired of all the fabricated personalities, the hypebeast styles, the fake boobs, fake muscles, just fake people in general. I think it is pretty transparent when someone is trying to create a fraudulent persona, in hopes to impress society in general. For most, it just doesn't work. And when people are real and true to themselves, it shows. I hope that in the future, everyone will be able to accept who they are not only for their personality, but physically. From big ears like mine, to Maya’s weird nugget toe. In the fourth grade I actually grew out my hair in an attempt hide my ears, which 1, did not work, and 2 I did not pull off. But look at me now, flaunting them off like its no ones business. Not merely shrugging off the joked cracked by Colin earlier but genuinely laughing and finding enjoyment in the humor.

I am optimistic for an America that can take a joke and one where everyone isn’t walking around with a stick up their ass. Like Mr. Bova, is it a crime for me to tie a pair of shoes to my head for an ID card picture? Silly things like these should not be demonized in our society, they should be encouraged. From a young age we are told not to be sheeps, to not conform to the norms, yet we still have sticklers roaming around just thirsting to kill any individuality, cracking down on the most harmless of acts.

I yearn for the day people don’t force their own morals onto others, religious or not. I believe that everyone should be able to do whatever they like, as long as they do not negatively affect others. If you want to smoke a bowl, smoke a damn bowl, just don't drive and put other lives at risk for your actions. If you want to be a prostitute, more power to you, just use a condom so no STD’s are transmitted. Just be careful as to the habits that are created, because it is possible that you are affecting others without your knowledge. You might be drinking away all your family's money like during the prohibition era. Or even unconsciously affecting your everyday attitude that can transfer to those around you.

Now, for something that we all cherish and wanted during AP testing: sleep. In the America I grow old in sleep won’t be so scarce. No more exhaustion, fatigue, or drowsiness to stop us from fully focusing on our studies, jobs, or daily tasks. And speaking of being tired, I’m tired of giving this speech, and quite frankly, I think you are all tired of listening. Cut it Geib.