Ms. Ronquillo delivers culmination speech

Carl Finer, advisor • June 14, 2025

At eighth grade culmination, teacher and JMS alumna Wendy Ronquillo was the featured speaker.

Here is the text of her speech, in English and Spanish (below):

English

Good afternoon, everyone—faculty, families, friends, and especially the graduating class of 2025. Congratulations! I’m Wendy Ronquillo, or Ms. Ronquillo, your math teacher. It’s truly an honor to be here today. I graduated from Animo Jefferson back in 2014, and even though it’s been a few years, I still remember what it’s like. Just like you, I pulled all-nighters, studied for math tests on linear equations, wrote essays on The Giver, and debated in history class. I’ve been where you are.

I want to begin by sharing something that came up during one of our Green Dot Day teacher meetings. As we waited for the meeting to begin, a few things were said that really struck me—things about the challenges our students face every day.

They talked about how our schools are underfunded, how we rely on public transportation for field trips, and how our middle and high school students share spaces like the gym and cafeteria. And hearing all that brought me right back to my own time at Animo Jefferson.

I remembered our SRLA students telling me about having to take the Metro Train just to make it to practice. I thought about my own walks to school, seeing graffiti on the walls, trash on the sidewalks. I remembered the crowded buses after school, and students running to catch them. I thought about my parents—both working hard just to 2024-2025 provide the basics—and about having to help take care of my siblings while still trying to finish my homework.

These are the realities many of our students live with, and they’re not easy. But they’re also part of what shapes our strength, our resilience, and our determination to keep moving forward.

As I sat in that meeting listening to those remarks about our schools, I didn’t feel discouraged—it lit a fire in me. Because those comments don’t define us. What defines us is how we rise above our challenges. I’ve faced many of the same things you’re facing—crowded hallways, relying on public transportation, late nights, early mornings, and still showing up every day to keep going. And yet, I’m here. Not just surviving, but thriving—right back in the same community that shaped me. And that’s the challenge I leave with you today: show the world that where we come from does not limit where we can go. Let your story be proof that greatness can come from anywhere—even right here. Because one day, you’ll look back and realize—you weren’t just preparing for success. You were becoming it.

As we stand at the edge of this next chapter, I know some of you are excited, and others might be feeling nervous or unsure. That’s completely okay. Before you begin your high school journey, I want to share a few pieces of advice I wish someone had given me when I was in your shoes.

First—There will always be people who try to bring you down—who tell you you’re not smart enough, not talented enough, not brave enough to reach your goals. But let me tell you something important: their words don’t define you. Because real success? It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being better than you were yesterday.

Second – find something you truly love. When you discover what lights you up inside, it won’t feel like work—it’ll feel like purpose. Maybe you dream of becoming an electrician and one day returning to Animo Jefferon to fix the lights in our hallways. Or maybe you see yourself as a lawyer, standing up for justice and protecting our school community—especially in tough times like the recent ICE raids. You might want to tell powerful stories as a journalist and come back to mentor future storytellers. Or perhaps you’ll be a dancer, a chef, a cosmetologist, or even a college professor—sharing your talents and inspiring the next generation right here in the same halls you once walked.

Third – “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.”Because the truth is, nothing changes if you stay in your comfort zone. If you never step out, the only thing that grows is how deep your couch cushion gets. Sometimes, you have to feel a little uncomfortable to do something great. Whether it’s learning something new, tackling a tough class, or stepping into a new environment—that discomfort means you’re growing.

Now, I want to take a moment to speak directly to our graduating 8th graders—not just as a former student of this school, but as your teacher. Each and every one of you is capable of achieving whatever you set your mind to. Over the past year and a half, I’ve seen your growth, your effort, and your determination—and I want you to know how incredibly proud I am of all you’ve accomplished.

Even for those who couldn’t be here today—your hard work didn’t go unnoticed. Whether it was finally using scratch paper and improving your MAP or i-Ready scores, or stepping out of your comfort zone to present in front of the class—I saw you. I saw the focus, the effort, the frustration, and the breakthroughs. And every one of those moments matters.

You’ve all grown so much—not just in academics, but as individuals. I remember the times I had to speak with some of you for being off-task, late, out of uniform, or using inappropriate language. But what I truly admire is how many of you took those moments and turned them into growth.

I’ve seen you start showing up on time, engaged, and ready to learn. That transformation—learning from your mistakes and pushing forward—is what makes me proud. Every assignment, every question—it brought you here. You earned this moment, and I genuinely believe it’s only the beginning of what you’re capable of.

Now you are the 13 th class sitting in these seats awaiting to be called to the front and hearing your family and friends cheer you on as you get your certificate. You are the next generation of this story. This school has given you the tools, the foundation, and the strength to go further than you’ve ever imagined. You are all capable of doing and becoming amazing people who will give back to our community.

To the class of 2025 we didn’t just survive these last few years. We became something more because of them. So take a moment to look around and soak in the glory. This is not the end. This is the moment you begin again as a stronger, wiser, and braver version than before. Your future starts now—and it’s full of infinite possibilities. Congratulations, Class of 2025.

Español

Mi nombre es Wendy Ronquillo, aunque muchos me conocen como la maestra de matemáticas, Ms. Ronquillo. Hoy estoy aquí como exalumna de esta misma escuela. Aunque han pasado algunos años, todavía compartimos muchas experiencias en común.

Sé lo que es estudiar con pocos recursos, compartir espacios con otros estudiantes, depender del transporte público y ayudar en casa después de clases. Pero también sé que ninguna de esas cosas define quiénes somos. Lo que nos define es cómo nos levantamos ante cada desafío.

Les quiero dejar tres mensajes hoy:

1. No dejen que la opinión de los demás defina quiénes son. a. Aunque el camino sea difícil, cree en ti mismo y no dejes que el ruido de otros apague tus sueños. El éxito consiste en superarte cada día y seguir avanzando con confianza en tu camino.

2. Encuentren aquello que aman hacer, y háganlo su propósito. a. No importa si sueñan con ser electricistas, abogados, periodistas, chefs, bailarines, cosmetólogos o profesores; lo importante es que usen su talento para contribuir a su comunidad y regresar algún día a inspirar a otros en lugares como Ánimo Jefferson.

3. Aprendan a sentirse cómodos con lo incómodo. Ahí es donde ocurre el verdadero crecimiento. a. Nada cambia si no sales de tu zona de confort. Sentirse incómodo a veces es necesario para crecer, aprender y lograr cosas increíbles. Esa incomodidad es señal de que te estás fortaleciendo.

A mis estudiantes, los he visto crecer, esforzarse y superar obstáculos. Estoy muy orgullosa de todo lo que han logrado. Ustedes han demostrado que con perseverancia y trabajo, todo es posible.

Recuerden: esta escuela no solo forma estudiantes, forma futuros. Ustedes son prueba de eso. Y si yo pude regresar como maestra, ustedes pueden llegar tan lejos como sueñen.

Clase del 2025: este no es el final, es un nuevo comienzo. ¡El futuro está en sus manos! Felicidades y mucho éxito.