One of my favorite things about this time of year is Commencement. I love the pageantry, the music, the colors, seeing proud families cheering on their graduate and yes, I do cry at Pomp and Circumstance – every time. Commencement signals a rite of passage, and comes with a lot of hard work, sacrifice, sleepless nights and hope. For some this road of accomplishment represents a different kind of sacrifice, unique to those who will be the first in their family to graduate.
The Class of 2020 has achieved its success in the shadow of a world health crisis and the unsettling circumstances surrounding racial inequities. In the face of darkness, learning and education will always be a bright light. By learning about ourselves and our shared history, accepting the truths of our history and educating one another – that’s how we are going to change the course of our past and build a brighter future.
I believe that these graduates, the Class of 2020 will embrace the challenges before them like never before. They will seek solutions to the many problems that these crises uncovered and continue fighting for equality and equity in their communities, across our nation and around the globe. They will succeed because they will want to ensure a future for their families where no one is neglected and where preparing for an abundant future is a way of life. I believe they will succeed for themselves and also for one another because they understand now that true, lasting impact and change will happen because of their commitment to their education and a better tomorrow.
What our graduates have accomplished, in the most trying of circumstances faced by our world, can set the course for a wonderful legacy. We believe in them and their ability to change the world for the better. While we couldn’t celebrate their successes as we have traditionally, we are immensely proud of them.
Congratulations to the Class of 2020!
To hear about the personal experiences and words of encouragement and share some of your own visit https://tgrfoundation.org/class-of-2020/.
Redefining what it means to be a champion.