Congratulations to the Class of 2016! As a fellow graduate myself, I feel compelled to share these inspiring words of wisdom from speakers, students, and graduates alike. As you pursue your goals and passions, remember to be:
Proud
“ I am here and I am successful because I am a Latina—because being a Latina has taught me how to be resilient, intelligent, brave, and kind. It has taught me the value of community and my own worth.”
Thankful
“Today is less a reflection of the sacrifices I’ve made over the past few years, and more of a reflection of the sacrifices that generations of my family and other Black families have made for centuries.”
Alert
“Education is no equalizer —
Rather, it is the sleep that precedes the American Dream.
So wake up — wake up! Lift your voices
Until you’ve patched every hole in a child’s broken sky.
Wake up every child so they know of their celestial potential.
I’ve been a Black hole in the classroom for far too long;
Absorbing everything, without allowing my light escape.
But those days are done. I belong among the stars.
And so do you. And so do they.
Together, we can inspire galaxies of greatness
For generations to come.
No, sky is not the limit. It is only the beginning.
Lift off.”
Humble
“I could not help but be flooded with emotions knowing that I will be leading these men and women who are willing to give their all to preserve what we value as the American way of life. To me, that is the greatest honor.”
2nd Lt. Alix Schoelcher Idrache
Strong
“I’ve realized that living with empathy, love, and compassion means letting go and allowing yourself, as well as others, to have their own experiences. You cannot fill anyone else’s bucket without filling your own first.”
We did it!
Denise Nichole Andrews
