The Heartwarming Speech Otto Warmbier Gave at His High School Graduation

Otto Frederick Warmbier, a University of Virginia student who has been detained in North Korea since early January, attends a news conference in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this photo released by Kyodo February 29, 2016. Mandatory credit (Reuters/Kyodo/File Photo)

Otto Warmbier, the American citizen who was released in a coma from North Korea and died on Monday, gave a heartwarming speech at his high school graduation.

Warmbier attended the Wyoming High School and graduated in 2013.

Warmbier described his ordeal in searching for what to say. He said he gave up at one point and went to watch TV. A quote from the finale of “The Office” ended up being the inspiration for his speech. The quote is especially touching considering his fate.

“I wish there was a way to know that you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them,” Warmbier quotes “Office” character Andy Bernard saying as all the other characters are beginning on new paths in their lives.

Warmbier then compares the students’ journey through high school to a movie script, describing the highs and lows of students from a small town school.

“Our story line included something incredible. As a group, we’re stronger than anything right now. We’ve made it through the good times and the bad,” Warmbier says.