New Zealand Student’s Speech Goes Viral

A New Zealand student’s emotional valedictory speech has gone viral online with more than 170,000 views.

18-year-old Jake Bailey, who had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in his final year at Christchurch Boys’ high school, was released from hospital for one day to be able to deliver his speech.

“Some of the stories have painted a more negative light on his prognosis than his reality. Jake is alive … it’s going to be very tough, incredibly tough, it will be very intensive treatment. However, the prognosis is good,” said Nic Hill, the school’s headmaster.

“Here’s the thing: none of us get out of life alive. So be gallant, be great, be gracious and be grateful for the opportunities that you have”, said Bailey in his speech.

“Forget about long-term dreams. Let’s be passionately dedicated to the pursuit of short-term goals. Work with passion and pride on what is in front of us. We don’t know where we might end up or when it might end up.”

Article Source: The Guardian, Jessica Elgot, November 09, 2015

Image Source: Youtube