I’m not the smartest. I simply never gave up.

2018 OCC Commencement

Live Stream

OCC Podcast

I received my Associate’s Degree in Communications on May 12, 2018 from Onondaga Community College and was honored to be chosen as the 2018 Commencement Speaker.

1 year later:

Within the last year of speaking to the class of 2018, I would tell you this now:

“Since I stood on that stage, life has drastically changed and has tested me harder than it ever has. You will face many challenges ahead. Cherish what you have accomplished today. Remember how far you have come to get to this point right now in your lives. Enjoy how far you have made it. Like really enjoy it. Don’t let that feeling go. Hold on tight to this moment forever because this ceremony will be over in an hour. When you struggle in the moments to come, bring that feeling of achievement, of peace, of happiness, of strength, and of perseverance back to the surface in your mind and remember what you’re doing today. Remember you can get through anything if you’re willing to fight. Fight until it hurts and you tell yourself you can’t. Push through your “can’ts.” Find peace in the little things when everything seems crazy around you. I am at Newhouse and I am being tested academically more than I have my whole life. Last night I had a moment to just lay on the couch and do nothing…I decided to write what I was feeling in that moment of silence so I posted, ‘Still can’t believe this as I sit here on a quiet night of peace and look back at it all. I’m at peace with myself. Im doing it, I’m actually doing what I didn’t think I could. Guys, never believe what you think you can’t do. Trust yourself and go. Go until you can look back and think wow. I was wrong. because…I was wrong.’ Like I said one year ago on this stage, never give up and always believe you have the power to transform your life. Right now I’m transforming mine and I can actually see it. I feel it. I see growth in my life. I feel myself becoming stronger. Being honored to stand on that stage a year ago was truly the best moment of my life. I have been so caught up lately in being the best and succeeding at one of the top communications schools in the country that I have forgotten how hard I’ve fought to be where I am today…to be my most genuine authentic self. To see what I did and how I felt that day a year ago. That day for you is today. It’s so important to never loose that as you move forward. Always be genuine. Keep humbly moving forward and if you fail that’s okay. Fail forward. Failing is a sign you’re learning and growing. Don’t be worried about impressing everyone. Love yourself and remember your mental health is just as important as your education and grades are as you move forward. You’ve crossed a finish line today that no one can take away from you. No matter what you face, always remember that.”