For most parents, seeing their kids graduate high school is the ultimate representation of their pride and their children's achievement.
This year, one exceptionally proud mom and dad are the parents of high school senior Sef Scott, from Frisco, Texas.
Scott, who has autism and a social communication disorder, often chooses to remain silent, but made an exception when he delivered a powerful graduation speech at Plano Senior High School.
"Unexpected. That is what I want you to remember. Unexpected," Scott said as he began his six minute speech. "First and foremost, I would imagine that to the seniors that know who I am that it is entirely unexpected that I would be standing here giving this speech."
"Let me briefly explain this unexpected choice of speaker. My name is Sef Scott and I am a student with learning differences," he added. "To be more specific, I have autism and a social communication disorder."
Although Scott doesn't electively speak, he reminded the roused crowd he does have the same vocabulary as his classmates.
Scott said he crafted his speech with the help of his family after he became inspired by his nine-year-old brother, a brain tumor survivor who often makes speeches to raise money for charity.
While Scott cracked jokes throughout his speech, "Yes, I have autism, but I am also a smart alec. Unexpected, right?" his message was clear: always do the unexpected.
He encouraged his classmates and the thousands of guests to go out of their comfort zone, be kind to your neighbors, and follow their dreams.
"You can sprinkle unexpected moments throughout your everyday life that can benefit those around you with very little effort on your part," Scott said.
"Don't follow someone else's dreams. Don't waste time on something you never wanted. Do the unexpected. It is your life that you are living, not someone else's so do what fulfills you," the graduate added.
"Be unexpected like me, do the unexpected for the benefit of others, live the expected for your own happiness. Congratulations to the Plano Senior High School graduating class of 2018. Best wishes to you all," he concluded.
As he stepped down from the podium, the crowd - rightfully so - erupted in a massive standing ovation.
See the heartening speech for yourself.
For more heartwarming news about individuals with autism, check out these sweet stories:
- Autistic Man's "Jeopardy" Dreams Finally Come True
- Boy With Autism Reads For The First Time After Mom Brings Home An Unexpected Friend
- Girl With Autism Sings A Rendition Of "Hallelujah" And It Brings Everyone To Tears
[H/T: Daily Mail, USA Today]
