Baccalaureate.

5 years ago, I had the honor of delivering the charge at Franklin & Marshall College's Baccalaureate ceremony. I had been both Director of College Programs (essentially student activities) and Assistant Women's Soccer Coach, as well as an alum. I was thoroughly embedded into the institution and therefore knew many of the students well, so it was quite poignant. It was an awesome honor and experience, and given this time of year, I thought it would be appropriate to share it here:

"First of all, good afternoon soon to be graduates, parents, and esteemed colleagues. I’m very honored to be standing up here today, addressing you all.

Almost 10 years ago I stood on this stage, and danced at my baccalaureate ceremony. There were about 6 of us, contemporary dancing in half pants and tank tops to You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban. Slightly awkward, but a moving experience nonetheless.

Since that time, I’ve been in a few different cities with a few different jobs, and have made my way back to F&M. As Director in the Office of College Programs as well as an Asst. Women’s Soccer Coach, I have had the opportunity to work with some very talented and passionate students in my time here. As I have thought about what to say in this charge, I think it comes down to things I would have liked to have heard when I was sitting in your seat. Things I’ve been able to share with some of you on an individual basis, but would be helpful to all of you. So here’s my chance…

Your next step out of F&M might not be to your dream career – it probably won’t be your dream job.Surprise, surprise… However, it will be just that – your next step. It doesn’t have to be the end all, be all – it’s just an opportunity to learn more about what you want to do, what you don’t want to do, and why either of those is the case. I truly believe there aren’t any “wrong turns” in life. Everything that happens, every direction we choose, gives us the opportunity to learn more – if we treat it like that.

They say life is what happens while you are making plans, and I completely agree. It’s good to have goals,strive for those goals – reach for them. But don’t miss the little moments along the way. The ones that inevitably teach you about life. But more importantly teach you about yourself.

Aim high. You are better prepared than you know. F&M has given you skills you have yet to realize. Believe in yourself and the hard work you have put in these last four years –in the classroom, on the field, in the studio, in the lab – all of those opportunities to learn, to compete, to try. Fear not, you are ready. You won’t have all of the answers. Nobody does. But you do have the tools. You can only learn by trying, so don’t take yourself too seriously.

Go outside of your comfort zone. In fact, if you are feeling uncomfortable, you are most likely in the right place.

Put your best foot forward –you never know who is watching, or which opportunity will lead to the next.Almost every job I have had, has been because of people associated with F&M, who I had kept in touch with, or sought out for advice.

You have to put the most on the line, to earn the best result. Invest yourself in whatever you do. And if you find yourself in some place you didn’t expect – or might not want to be –find other ways to grow. To make the most of that experience. And don’t forget how far you’ve come.

Always do your best to be kind and compassionate – to everyone. You never know what battles someone might be facing. And you never know when you might need a helping hand.

And finally do not underestimate the power of hard work.

It is never too late to try…to make mistakes…. Or too late to learn. In fact, that’s what we have been taught here at F&M, to be life-long learners – questioners – challengers of status quo. We work to create the world we want to live in.

So go forth….

Be confident in your abilities. But be humble in your approach. To get respect, you must give respect. And you should never assume you are the smartest person in the room….But you just might be.

Congratulations to all of you– and good luck."