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CSUF Honors Convocation Keynote Speech

Presented by the CSUF 2008 Outstanding Professor

Stella Ting-Toomey, California State University, Fullerton

May 22, 2009, Friday

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My name is Stella Ting-Toomey, a faculty member from the Department of Human Communication Studies.

Let me add my warm welcome to all honors and awards students, families, intimate partners and friends, and President Gordon, faculty, staff, and administrators, and special invited guests.

It is my honor today to be standing here to celebrate with you this very joyous occasion and mark your stellar accomplishments and magical journey of arrival in this beautiful Meng Concert Hall.

I have no doubt that many of you have overcome many obstacles, challenges, and hurdles, to get to where you are today with joy and excitement. I salute YOU – to all Summa Cum Laude graduates, University Honors Program graduates, President’s Scholars, and all special award recipients.

I also want to cheer on ALL your special family members, parents, intimate partners, and reliable friends—for I’m sure during your days of uncertainty, their encouraging words and soothing tones uplifted your spirit and motivated you to move forward.

There are three reflections I would like to share with you today. The First Thing is: Be ready to plunge into unfamiliar territory. Be prepared for surprises, unpredictability, and the thrill of discovery as

you hike up the unfamiliar mountain in the next stage of your life. When I came to America as an international Chinese student more than 30 years ago, I landed in the middle of Iowa cornfields. I was totally lost, disoriented, and confused. However, I did persevere. To make a long story short, the constant culture shocks did test my own strengths and limits. However, you do learn more about yourself and your own priorities as you encounter the unknown and the unfamiliar. Take some risks and experiment with the unfamiliar. Learn to be playful, and, balance your sense of self-discipline with imagination.

The Second Thing is: Be ready to take detours and enjoy the detoured scenery along the way. Your detoured trip may turn into a full-scale 2nd stage journey. Honestly, I did not intentionally pursue the goal of being an intercultural communication professor. I had always thought I would become a television-film director when I was younger. My bachelor and master degrees were in the mass media area. However, my application to a Ph.D. media degree program was rejected. I took a detour and ended up finding my true passion in the teaching of and research in intercultural communication. Thus, a crossroads could be something stressful initially, however, the crossroads may lead you to a more vibrant landscape and terrain. Embrace your detours and challenges--everything will turn out OK.

Finally, the Third Thing is: Hold on to the precious people who help you to get to that amazing summit. As you trek to the top of the Japan’s Mt. Fuji, or the China’s Great Wall, or the Grand Canyon and take in the magnificent panoramic view, I hope you have someone special to share the breathtaking vista. At the end of the day, it’s down to your beloved family members, your significant others, and your very loyal friends who are sitting here with you today who matter the most--they have gone through the bumpy and bouncy ride with you all the way. They have carried your backpacks and water for you. Create meaningful memories with them and honor yourself and your loved ones with dignity, joy, and appreciation.

CONGRATULATIONS and THREE CHEERS to all your hard work, tenacious spirit, and distinguished academic achievements!

Thank you.

Stella Ting-Toomey, Professor

Delivered Speech on May 22, 2009

Human Communication Studies

California State University at Fullerton (CSUF)

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