My name is Elena Turkalj. I was the actual speech giver during the Graduation Ceremony of Woodside High School. I had a bit of a concern with how my message was portrayed in this article. My speech actually was quite the opposite of the cliche butterfly metaphor. During my speech, I said that during high school, the graduating class has not grown into butterflies, yet. In our high school years, we are morphing in our cocoons. In many years to come, that is when I said that we will turn into beautiful butterflies. I do not mean to offend anyone. I just want to get the true message of my speech across. I could send my actual speech to the Author's email, if it is easier. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Elena Turkalj

Thank you for the clarification, Elena. You made a very important distinction that may have been lost in the article.

You noted that you didn't mean to offend anyone. I would urge you to "offend away!" Being politically correct or liked, while nice, is probably overrated if you'd like to make a difference. If your writing is any indication, I am very confident that you will!

Congratulations to you and to your graduating class!

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