Commencement Speech: Reflections on the Chaminade University Journey

This document presents a commencement speech delivered by an alumnus at Chaminade University. The speech begins with expressions of gratitude and congratulations to the graduating class, emphasizing the significance of the day as a transition point and reflecting on the shared experiences of college life. The speaker shares personal struggles and growth, highlighting the importance of embracing challenges and learning from mistakes. The speech offers advice on finding passion, pursuing goals, and celebrating achievements. The alumnus addresses the parents, acknowledging their role in the graduates' accomplishments, and concludes with a universal truth about the transient nature of life, expressing gratitude for the college experience and ending with an inspiring quote. The speech is a reflection on personal development, perseverance, and the future prospects of the graduates.

Running head: COMMENCEMENT SPEECH
ALUMNI CHAMINADE FOR LIFE
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Notes

1COMMENCEMENT SPEECH
Thank you, (the person who introduced you).
(Looking at the audience) Graduates, staff, family members, it is indeed an honor to be a part of
the alumni. It is such a privilege to share this intensity of emotions which has filled up here at
(name of the auditorium).
Most people would normally say that today is the day we begin our journey. I would disagree to
that. The journey actually began a long time ago, today is just the day where the path we have
been travelling gets diverged into many roads. Days have come and gone, living through the
years from the beginning to this day seems like a lifetime for us, and even for our parents.
(Looking at the graduates) Graduates, we are the class of (mention year). So (today/tonight)
we are poised to start a new chapter of our lives.
Each one of us undoubtedly remembers the first time we walked into this college. We might
have not attended the same elementary school, but our individual experiences on that particular
day were unique and resembled the same anxiety or excitement. When we walked though those
doors for the first time, we saw many few faces. Those faces are of friends, brothers and sisters
with whom we have made bittersweet memories.
It was indeed quite an experience. At the beginning, I went through a lot of hardships and
struggles. There were times I doubted myself with the simplest situations, which seemed
impossible back then, we would all want a life without problems. However, if you got what you
want, if there were no struggle, no hard work, no challenges for graduates like us. We all want a
life like that. But when something hard comes up, we wouldn’t know how to handle it, because
we would have never gone through that lesson that would have strengthened us. Sometimes it is
necessary to go through a hard phase because we cannot grow without struggle. When we make

2COMMENCEMENT SPEECH
mistakes, we also learn from them so that we do not do the same mistake again. I was very
antisocial at first, I was not good at interacting with people. However meeting so many people
here at (name of the college) has changed me as a person and the way I interact with someone
and my perspective of seeing anything.
Those of you who still have time here at (name of the college) those of you who are still
perusing your degree; you will all share this stage very soon. Everyone who has succeeded in life
has worked hard for it. What I have understood from my time here and what I can advice you
with my experience is that first and foremost, we should always find out what we love. I always
wanted to study information technology and I will peruse it as a career. We should not be
ashamed or even feel embarrassed to try out of the simplest yet strangest things. We should see
whether we like what we do and then we should see just how good we are or how good we can
be, if we improvise even more. We can always get better, so there is no harm trying.
I would like to congratulate all the graduates, and the parents and families who are celebrating
with you today. (Looking at the parents) Parents, you are probably wondering where the years
have gone as you marvel at your sons and daughters accomplishment. To some of you, it doesn’t
seem that long ago we were toddling off to start kindergarten. But of course, living through all
these years does indeed seem like a lifetime.
(Looking at the graduates) You are the generation that will take technology to new heights;
you are the ones, who will bring solution to environmental problems like global warming,
conservation of natural resources and development of alternative energy sources. You are the
future.

3COMMENCEMENT SPEECH
Therefore to end my speech, I’d like to conclude with a universal truth we all have to accept,
whether we want to or not, nothing lasts forever. Like the last day of summer, the last page of a
good book, or even parting ways with a good friend. I have enjoyed my time here to the fullest. I
will remember this place and the lessons it taught me. I will remember this place, and this
(day/night). I would like to finish with a quote which I live by, “Believe in yourself and all that
you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle”, Thank you
everyone.