Which of the following statements is one claim that the speaker makes in this passage? Answer choices for the above question A.
The students have already faced more difficult challenges than many other young people. B. Many leaders are saying that it is not a problem if one causes damage to the environment. C. The students need to use their education to contribute to their community instead of focusing on developing themselves. D. Students can find significant strengths in the struggles that they have already overcome.
Your Turn 1
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Reread paragraphs 25–29 of the selection to determine the answers to the follow-up questions.
From “Commencement Address to the Santa Fe Indian School”
I am so passionate about this because your communities need you. They need you to develop your potential and become who you’re meant to be. And that goes for every student in here who is thinking about dropping out, who is feeling discouraged. Your community needs you. And more than ever before, our world needs you, too.
And you don’t need your First Lady to tell you that. All you have to do is tune in to the news and you’ll see that right now, some of the loudest voices in our national conversation are saying things that go against every single one of the values that you’ve been living at this school. They’re telling us that we should disrespect others because of who they are or where they come from or how they worship. They’re telling us that we should be selfish—that folks who are struggling don’t deserve our help, that we should just take what we can from life and not worry about anyone else. And they’re saying that it’s okay to keep harming our planet and using our land, our air, our water however we wish.
But, graduates, you all know that those are not the values that shape good citizens. Those are not the values that build strong families and communities and nations. You know this. So we desperately need your voices and your values in this conversation reminding us that we’re all connected, we’re all obligated to treat one another with respect, to act with integrity, to give back to those in need. Now, I know that perhaps I’m asking a lot of all of you. And I know that sometimes all those obligations might feel like a heavy burden. I also know that many of you have already faced and overcome challenges in your lives that most young people can’t even begin to imagine—challenges that have tested your courage, your confidence, your faith, and your trust.
But, graduates, those struggles should never be a source of shame—never—and they are certainly not a sign of weakness. Just the opposite. Those struggles are the source of your greatest strengths. Because by facing adversity head on and getting through it, you have gained wisdom and maturity beyond your years. I’ve seen it in you. You’ve developed resilience that will sustain you throughout your lives. You’ve deepened a well of compassion within yourselves that will help you connect with and give back to others who struggle.
