University isn't about how far you go, or what grade you got. It's about how far you have come as an individual. Because, at the end of the day, it's the individuals that make our world so different. Each one of us here today has had to overcome many challenges, however big or small, in order to be sitting here on one of the most exciting days of our lives.
I chose my Marjon because, not only did they give me the encouragement and opportunities to study here, they gave me the resources which enabled me to stay here. Those resources have enabled me to achieve something I was led to believe was impossible for me. Without that fantastic support network, whether it be in the form of a mentor, lecturer or friend, I wouldn't be standing here now.
A huge congratulations to each and every one of you graduating today. Never forget your own strength. Never think you're not capable of creating a life. That's meaningful to you. If achieving things that you thought were beyond your capability of creating positive change and protecting what you love with your own strengths, your own abilities, your own loves, whatever they mean to you.
As you leave this fine academic establishment, and you set out into this great wide world of ours, you may find yourself pushed outside your comfort zone. Just stick at it. The comfort zone will shift eventually. I promise it always does. And in the meantime, just focus on controlling the controllables.
Remember this, you will always be a part of Marjon, and Marjon will always be a part of you.
Say to all students here today, I say, go follow your dreams, persevere. And remember, sometimes you have to cross when it says, "Don't walk."
Congratulations, class of 2019. We did it.
