Jose M. Rodas: CEHS Convocation Speech

Good Afternoon President Cole, Provost Gingrich, Dean Peterman, faculty, staff, honorable guests, parents, friends and the 2013 graduating class of the College of Education and Human Services. In the past, we were told that if we wanted to become the person we wish to be, we needed to work hard, and stay motivated in order to confront all sorts of obstacles. It is always those obstacles that will define us how strong we can and are willing to be.

During my sophomore year, when I volunteered at Orange High School to work with students, I saw nothing but strong, dedicated, individuals who had high aspirations to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, and scientists, just to name a few. They work with very limited resources, support, and guidance, yet they lived their lives like they had all the necessary support to succeed. Their struggles did not stop them from achieving their goals of graduating high school, going to college and pursue their desired professions. This is why I admired them so much as I took their example and applied it to my life in college.

I know that each and every one of you has encountered obstacles. You worked hard in your coursework, joined the various leadership positions on and off campus, pulled all-nighters, not being able to keep in touch with your family and friends as much as you had hoped for, and balancing work and school making sure your tuition was paid for. Yet you did not let your obstacles take away your opportunities.

You did one thing that in your life you will appreciate for years to come. You have taken a bold step, which was to attend college. You have been given the opportunity and privilege to pursue a college degree, which many in this world are not able to achieve. Do you want to know what the best part is, you’ve made it! You are now the lucky ones.

Of course, along with luck and success comes responsibility. And because of your outstanding achievement, it is now your responsibility to change this world. Make it a better place. Use the tools that have been taught in your classes, in your experiences on and off campus, and take it to ways that you’ve never imagined. Whatever field you pursue, whether it is a teacher, social worker, gerontologist, or physical therapist, be the best you can be and never stop at excelling. Be the master to whom everyone can look up to! Every day, wake up and enjoy what you do. In order to live your life to the fullest, you must do something you will enjoy for the rest of your life. I promise you this; there is no better feeling than making a positive difference in the community.

And while you are continuing your journey through life and taking opportunities, do remember this, always, always, ALWAYS, dream. DREAM BIG! Montclair State University has given you THE opportunity to dream big so go ahead and take advantage of it. Because when you do, that is when you will realize that nothing will come between you and your desired goals. Congratulations. I wish you all the best.