Graduation Speech: Human Service Practitioner

I cried every day my first semester of school. I almost dropped out countless times. There were many moments where I felt like I did not belong in the world of academia. I did not anticipate that suffering would be such a big part of my academic journey. I was thoroughly unprepared. It is custom to highlight victories but we must not allow the pain that is part of our experiences be forgotten. Especially pain that makes you feel alien to the spaces you are trying to fit in, and improve, and change. In fact, those slumps are the reasons success is that much sweeter. As human service practitioner’s, it is easy to undervalue our accomplishments and we often downplay the excellence we have achieved. When the work becomes familiar and routine, …show more content…
You belong here and your story is one of the greatest subjects anyone can learn about.
 To the graduates who managed physical and mental illness while juggling life. You belong here. Your story is one of the greatest subjects anyone can learn about.
 To the graduates who arrived here lost, broken, afraid and full of doubts. Your resiliency is amazing. You belong here. Your story is one of the greatest subjects anyone can learn about.
 To the graduates who had to pause, or tripped, several times along the way. It doesn’t matter how long you took. You belong here. Your story is one of the greatest subjects anyone can learn about.
 To the graduates who doubted their ability and the importance of their efforts. You matter, and what you have to offer the world matters.
Purpose-centered education is about making connections. This pedagogy beckons us to proactively establish a strong relationship with ourselves before we seek to help others. It asserts the essence of our existence is to build meaningful relationships with the people and spaces all around us. We do not exist in a vacuum and neither do our problems. Therefore, collaborations become vehicles which promote community, creativity, self-directedness, growth, healing, and positive …show more content…
However, we must always remember to fill the gaps within ourselves, and each other, before we touch any system. It is critical to continue making connections with others by sharing narratives as reminders that we are not in this alone. It is vital that we practice mindfulness, trust our intuitions, and never dilute the impact of our struggles. Proactively exercising this self-compassion and self-acceptance will foster an openness that will continue to propel us towards new levels of success. The sense of freedom that follows will enable us to stay curious, celebrate diversity, and live outside of our comfort zones so that we can continue being our best selves. Never forget that all our contributions make this world a better, safer, happier place to