“Transition, what does this word mean? Take a second. Think of yourself 10 years ago, no, think of yourself 5 years ago. Many transitions. Some transitions were good, some transitions were bad, but did you learn from them?  That you are sitting here in front of me tells me that you did learn and that you made excellent decisions. Was it always perfect? No, but I would argue that the greatest learning derives from overcoming the challenges, and making difficult transitions. 

It is also important to understand we never do things alone. By sharing your story and learning another, you have just made a new transition. You have just grown. This is what NDNU is about: growing, learning and transitioning. My grandmother learned that when she was here. My mother experienced that when she was here. My aunt instilled that when she was here. And, I was the beneficiary of all of that when I was here as well. So, I do have one last homework assignment for you. No, it wasn’t in any of your syllabi. You too have benefited from being here. So, I ask you to go out into the world and share what you have learned. Make this world a better place for the rest of us to live in.

I am honored to be standing in front of you. This day, and this celebration, is a transition for you to move onto the next phase of your life. Many people will say you have been given the gift of education, and I believe that education is a great gift. But the truth of the matter is: You are the gift to this world. And for each heartbeat that you have, there can be a monumental transition for you to reshape the world.

So how do you do this? My suggestion is simple. What is your passion? Use that to help guide your career, your focus, and your life transitions. When I was young, I was not the easiest kid for teachers to deal with, but I had teachers like Sr. Mary and Sr. Noreen who knew what was inside of me and helped me focus my energy correctly. That is what I needed. And now, that is what I try to do for other students. Currently, I teach high school kids. I tend to get students with behavioral challenges. I love my students, and I would do my job for free, if I did not have a mortgage! It truly is my passion. I listen to kids, love kids, give them boundaries to grow and learn and watch them transition. You can do this. You must do this. You will do this. You are a graduate of Notre Dame de Namur. Congratulations on your newest transition!