Here is Takahashi Juri’s speech for the 15th position from the 2016 AKB48 45th Single 8th Senbatsu Sousenkyo General Election.

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ここまで手を繋いで引っ張ってきてくれたファンの皆さん、本当にありがとうございます。今初めてて今までいっぱい悩んでも、たくさん涙を流しても、進んできた日々が意味のあるのものだったと、努力だったと少しだけ認めてもらえている気がします。
For all you who have held my hand, and pull me along up until this point, truly, thank you very much. For the first time up until now, no matter how much I worried, no matter how much I cried, each continuing day had a meaning. Even just a little, I feel that my hard work has paid off.

一昨年から、ランクインしてもアンダーガールズになっても、キャプテンに任命されても、認めてもらえたと思えた瞬間なんてなくて、ここでスピーチするメンバーが羨ましかったし、何をするにもどこかで認めてもらいたいという一心でした。
Two years ago, I became part of the Under Girls, and was trusted with the position of captain. Even so, there wasn’t any moment where I felt my hard work paid off, and I was really jealous of the others who made speeches here. In my heart, I wanted to know what I could do so that you’d approve of me.

私は自分にへこんでも悔しいことがあっても、がんばり続けることが、それが努力だとは自分に対して思っていませんでした。それは自分が試されている時間だと思いながら目の前のことを投げ出さないで嫌にならないで自分を忘れないで初めて結果を残せた時が、努力に初めてなると今まで自分に言い聞かせてきました。だから今までのそんな自分に、弱い自分に今少し勝てた気がしています。
I was depressed, and I was frustrated, and while I continued to do my best, I didn’t think that’s what they called “hard work”. I felt like that was time that I was being tested. I wouldn’t give up on what was in front of me, wouldn’t become hateful, and wouldn’t forget myself. When I was able to produce a result for the first time, it was also the first time I was able to tell myself that I really worked hard. So up until this time, I feel like, just a little, that I’ve won against my weak self.

AKB48が第一章で完結してしまったら、悔しすぎます。今AKB48を応援してくれているファンの皆さんや力を貸してくれるスタッフの皆さんがこれからも力を貸してくれるように、涙や奇跡や努力の続きがまだあると信じてもらえるように、1メンバーとして、チーム4のキャプテンとして頑張りたいと思っていますのでこれからもよろしくお願い致します。私を応援してくださっているファンの皆さん、上を目指そうと言ってきましたが、皆さんに出会えたことが1番の誇りです。今年も総選挙を一緒に戦ってくれてありがとうございました。最高でした！
If AKB48 ended in just one chapter, it would be too frustrating. To the fans who have supported AKB48 up until now, and to the staff who have given their support, I hope that you’ll continue to lend your strength. I hope to make you trust that there is more to come beyond just tears, miracles, and hard work. As a single member, and as captain of team 4, I hope to do my best. I hope you’ll continue your support. To all the fans who supported me, I told you that I was going to aim even higher. Having met all of you is the thing I am most proud of. Thank you very much for fighting together with me in this year’s election. It was great!