WEBVTT NOTE Created by CaptionSync from Automatic Sync Technologies www.automaticsync.com 00:00:00.346 --> 00:00:03.856 align:middle >> I would like to begin by acknowledging the administration, faculty, 00:00:03.856 --> 00:00:09.476 align:middle and staff at San Jose State University iSchool, for challenging, supporting, and encouraging us 00:00:09.476 --> 00:00:12.016 align:middle to grow into the information professionals we are today. 00:00:12.096 --> 00:00:17.996 align:middle On behalf of the Class of 2020, we thank you for inspiring us, mentoring us, 00:00:17.996 --> 00:00:22.636 align:middle and laying the foundation for the meaningful work we will continue to do. 00:00:22.636 --> 00:00:24.696 align:middle I would also like to thank my friends, family, 00:00:24.696 --> 00:00:26.986 align:middle and partner for their continued love and support. 00:00:27.886 --> 00:00:31.036 align:middle Finally, I would like to thank my peers who share this experience. 00:00:31.566 --> 00:00:36.606 align:middle You made sacrifices, shared your passion, and worked tirelessly alongside 00:00:36.606 --> 00:00:38.816 align:middle and with one another to complete this program. 00:00:39.466 --> 00:00:42.426 align:middle I am so proud of what we have accomplished. 00:00:44.266 --> 00:00:46.856 align:middle As a child, my parents gave me two precious gifts. 00:00:47.316 --> 00:00:50.936 align:middle A love of the written word and a passion for being of service to others. 00:00:51.506 --> 00:00:54.796 align:middle Although both of these things served as touchstones in my life, 00:00:55.036 --> 00:00:57.826 align:middle my road to becoming a librarian had a few detours. 00:00:58.516 --> 00:01:02.806 align:middle It wasn't until I had completed my bachelors degree in English and was volunteering 00:01:02.806 --> 00:01:07.156 align:middle with an adult literacy program that I began to develop a deeper understanding 00:01:07.156 --> 00:01:08.966 align:middle of the library's role in the community. 00:01:09.656 --> 00:01:12.706 align:middle Working with my student helped me see past the stacks 00:01:12.706 --> 00:01:17.276 align:middle and see that the two things I'm most passionate about, books and helping others, 00:01:17.586 --> 00:01:19.946 align:middle converge and flourish at the library. 00:01:20.646 --> 00:01:25.956 align:middle Now, as a librarian at a men's prison, I am presented with challenging and fulfilling ways 00:01:25.956 --> 00:01:30.606 align:middle for providing resources and access to a unique and underserved population. 00:01:31.686 --> 00:01:36.076 align:middle Regardless of our backgrounds, the various roles we currently serve or want to serve 00:01:36.076 --> 00:01:40.056 align:middle in libraries, and the different paths that brought us to this program, 00:01:40.296 --> 00:01:45.846 align:middle we are united in our shared values - to raise and support those who need our help. 00:01:45.846 --> 00:01:49.266 align:middle I am honored to have learned from and alongside professionals 00:01:49.266 --> 00:01:53.146 align:middle who are guided by the same values I hold dear. 00:01:53.376 --> 00:01:58.646 align:middle My fellow graduates, we have learned that library service means empowering people 00:01:58.646 --> 00:02:01.616 align:middle with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful. 00:02:02.396 --> 00:02:07.046 align:middle We have learned that uniting communities means developing cultural programs 00:02:07.046 --> 00:02:10.466 align:middle that deepen understand and spur conversations. 00:02:11.406 --> 00:02:16.436 align:middle We have learned that reaching underserved populations means providing essential resources 00:02:16.436 --> 00:02:20.786 align:middle to homeless and food insecure patrons with dignity and respect. 00:02:21.696 --> 00:02:25.846 align:middle We know that libraries can facilitate a positive change in people's lives, 00:02:25.976 --> 00:02:30.636 align:middle not only through computer skills, continued education, and research assistance, 00:02:30.666 --> 00:02:35.706 align:middle but by providing a free, welcoming space that invites everyone to contribute 00:02:35.706 --> 00:02:37.296 align:middle to building a stronger community. 00:02:38.096 --> 00:02:42.356 align:middle We worked together in our classes and stand united in our shared accomplishment. 00:02:42.776 --> 00:02:48.136 align:middle Let us continue to support one another now and in the future, and let our unity be reflected 00:02:48.136 --> 00:02:51.526 align:middle in the work we are ready to do for our patrons and for our communities. 00:02:52.326 --> 00:02:57.346 align:middle As our country emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, and we continue to provide service 00:02:57.346 --> 00:03:03.636 align:middle in new and empathetic ways, let us not doubt our preparedness and ability to adapt resources. 00:03:04.316 --> 00:03:08.386 align:middle For those currently working in libraries, and those just entering the field, 00:03:08.736 --> 00:03:13.036 align:middle do not lose sight of the fact that we are graduates of a fully online program. 00:03:13.436 --> 00:03:16.046 align:middle Who better to navigate and develop resources 00:03:16.046 --> 00:03:19.306 align:middle for patrons overwhelmed by a rapidly shifting landscape? 00:03:19.916 --> 00:03:22.486 align:middle We are the new professionals, equipped and ready 00:03:22.486 --> 00:03:26.946 align:middle to apply our knowledge in real and life-changing ways. 00:03:26.946 --> 00:03:32.266 align:middle My fellow librarians, I believe that as we close the book on this chapter of our education, 00:03:32.266 --> 00:03:38.226 align:middle and enter the evolving world of librarianship, we are well prepared to deconstruct barriers 00:03:38.226 --> 00:03:42.516 align:middle and build lasting bridges that deepen the ways libraries serve individuals 00:03:42.516 --> 00:03:43.656 align:middle and unite communities. 00:03:44.326 --> 00:03:48.316 align:middle Thank you for the amazing things you will accomplish for our patrons and profession. 00:03:48.586 --> 00:03:50.806 align:middle Congratulations, Class of 2020.