Schools

Roosevelt Valedictorian says Learn from Your Mistakes

Sarah Mikati to give commencement speech at 2013 graduation Sunday

Sarah Mikati wouldn't change a thing about her four years at Theodore Roosevelt High School.

"This school is always going to be very monumental for me," she said.   

As valedictorian, the graduating senior will give a commencement speech Sunday before her peers, teachers, family and friends that focuses on carrying with you the experiences, and essence, of youth into adulthood — mistakes and all.

"I think that one of the biggest things that I’ve learned in the past four years is that it’s OK to make mistakes, but don’t make mistakes that will leave huge scars or open wounds," Mikati said. "Sometimes people ask me, ‘Is there anything you would undo?’ I can’t even imagine.

"The thought of undoing something scares me," she said. "Because I want to be who I am today. All the hardship and everything, that’s what makes you who you are, and that’s how you grow."

Mikati certainly has a wealth of experiences to draw on as she prepares to start her college career at Ohio State University in the fall.

In Kent, Mikati dabbled in almost everything from swimming to tennis, French club to student council, volunteering with Riders Taking Action to Expedition Academy and, of course, her favorite: choir.

She started both swimming and choir her freshman year, but only the music stuck.

"I’m a very musical person," she said. "I love singing. I love playing piano. Choir was something that I kind of did stand out in, as opposed to swimming. So that was always a boost to my confidence."      

In Columbus, she'll keep some familiar things around her with a minor in French and hopes to keep singing. But she'll expand her horizons further.

Mikati, the daughter of Lebanese parents, plans to double major in journalism and international studies while studying double minors in French and sociology.

Pursuing a career in journalism, with aspirations to be a foreign correspondent, is a long-held dream.

"Growing up I was always educated about international affairs, international politics, especially in the Middle East," Mikati said.

After Sept. 11, 2001, then a first-grader Makati was subject to jokes from fellow children about her Middle Eastern decent.

"I’d like to bring integrity back into the media and be a part of bridging the cultural gaps around the world," she said. "I think the best way to fight racism is to understand it."

As for her college and professional careers, Mikati hopes to stay motivated and ambitious as she leaves Kent for the next chapter in her life.

"I am ready to move on and go to college and push myself," she said. "That’s what valedictorian is about. It’s not about being the smartest person in your class. It’s about being the hardest working person."  


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