Graduation inspiration

Amazingly, I left the 2013 GSU Commencement Ceremony completely unscathed; after pinning dozens of collars ongraduate robes, I didn't prick my finger even once. I guess it was also fortunate that all of the graduates I pinned were able to cross the platform without a scratch as well.

Many of my colleagues in the Dual Degree Mentor Program joined me in volunteering at Saturday's graduation. We pinned collars and caps, buttoned hoods, cleaned rooms, placed programs, and even cheered on graduates as the processional began. Although it was a rewarding experience to assist GSU graduates, we all gained something more than just the feeling of generosity by the end of the day.

During the 10 a.m. ceremony for the College of Education and the College of Health and Human Services, Student Commencement Speaker and veteran Michael Griffin shared some of his GSU experiences, many of which we all share as students, and he reminded us to value the bonds we've made with others while attending the university. Honorary degree recipient, Maria Hinojosa, gave us all excellent advice: to try and see yourself in those most unlike you, to "F.O.P." (focus on the positives), and to remember not to burn your bridges. Hinojosa's most humorous advice was perhaps the most rational: don't mess with the IRS.

During the 5 p.m. ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business and Public Administration, Student Commencement Speaker and mother of five Shaniqua Jones acknowledged the trials and tribulations one must endure to earn their degree, and she also mentioned the significance of the many people and organizations one represents along their journey.

In both ceremonies, Dr. Rashida Mohammed's Call to Order and Dr. Elaine P. Maimon's Presidential Address were phenomenal. Dr. Mohammed quoted Lee Ann Womack's I Hope You Dance, a personal favorite of my own.

One of the verses says, "...when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance." Dr. Mohammed expressed that a degree is a ticket to the dance hall, and graduates are not only obligated to dance, but they should also have others follow them in their footsteps.

Dr. Maimon offered two essential pieces of advice that her mentor, former Arizona State University president Dr. Lattie Coor, gave to the graduates of his university. The advice was simple: keep learning, and help others. She noted that commencement marks a beginning, and whether through academia or experiences, graduates should continue their development, and influence others to do the same.

The speakers of the ceremonies left an immense impression on me to make the most out of my ventures, and I wasn't even graduating! I can only imagine the number of attendees who were moved, inspired, or motivated by the deliveries of the speakers, or by witnessing the progression of their loved ones.

My brief experience at the 2013 Commencement inspired me to do more to enrich my academic experience, and heightened my eagerness to cross the stage myself. After seeing all of the work that the GSU community puts into the ceremony, I'm confident that the next (and every) ceremony will be sure to be an unforgettable event for all who attend.