WEBVTT NOTE Created by CaptionSync from Automatic Sync Technologies www.automaticsync.com 00:00:00.646 --> 00:00:02.116 align:middle >> Good evening, everyone. 00:00:02.156 --> 00:00:08.506 align:middle First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our professors. 00:00:09.076 --> 00:00:14.056 align:middle Your dedication, guidance, and support have played a pivotal role 00:00:14.376 --> 00:00:17.066 align:middle in shaping us into the graduates we are today. 00:00:17.296 --> 00:00:23.786 align:middle The knowledge you've shared, the challenges you've helped us navigate, 00:00:24.036 --> 00:00:28.736 align:middle and the inspiration you've provided will stay with us as we move forward 00:00:29.016 --> 00:00:31.436 align:middle into the next chapter of our lives. 00:00:32.006 --> 00:00:36.056 align:middle I think I can speak for all of us and say we are deeply grateful 00:00:37.356 --> 00:00:40.576 align:middle for all the ways you've helped us grow academically. 00:00:41.236 --> 00:00:50.066 align:middle I would also like to extend a special thank you to all of the parents and families whose love -- 00:00:50.206 --> 00:00:55.906 align:middle I told myself I wouldn't cry -- whose love, encouragement, 00:00:55.906 --> 00:01:00.796 align:middle and sacrifices have been a constant source of strength throughout our lives, 00:01:00.796 --> 00:01:05.626 align:middle and to the family members, my family members, 00:01:05.626 --> 00:01:07.926 align:middle you know who you are, I appreciate you very much. 00:01:07.926 --> 00:01:14.216 align:middle It is such a privilege to address you all today as we celebrate this incredible milestone. 00:01:14.526 --> 00:01:20.756 align:middle As I reflect on how far I've come, I'm reminded of the moments and places that have shaped me. 00:01:21.196 --> 00:01:25.686 align:middle One place that has always been special to me is the library, 00:01:25.996 --> 00:01:28.406 align:middle so no wonder I want to become a librarian. 00:01:28.966 --> 00:01:35.496 align:middle The library has been one of my favorite places, a quiet, peaceful space where I could focus, 00:01:35.636 --> 00:01:40.466 align:middle discover new things and get inspired by books. 00:01:40.466 --> 00:01:47.686 align:middle When I was young, one of the books that truly shaped my love for reading was The Lion, 00:01:47.686 --> 00:01:50.116 align:middle the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. 00:01:50.226 --> 00:01:57.526 align:middle I remember reading it for the first time, drawn in by the story of four siblings 00:01:57.526 --> 00:02:03.026 align:middle who enter a magical world through a wardrobe closet while playing hide and seek, 00:02:03.856 --> 00:02:15.146 align:middle but what struck me -- but struck me the most was the deeper spiritual symbolism woven throughout 00:02:15.516 --> 00:02:16.166 align:middle the story. 00:02:16.586 --> 00:02:17.686 align:middle The Lion, Aslan -- [laughs], I'm sorry. 00:02:17.686 --> 00:02:22.936 align:middle The Lion, Aslan, was not just a majestic creature. 00:02:22.936 --> 00:02:25.186 align:middle He represented something far greater. 00:02:25.186 --> 00:02:31.626 align:middle It helped me to understand how stories, whether through fiction or not, can teach us lessons 00:02:31.626 --> 00:02:35.256 align:middle about love, sacrifice, and the power of faith. 00:02:36.616 --> 00:02:41.356 align:middle Aslan's willingness to lay down his life for the sake 00:02:41.356 --> 00:02:46.276 align:middle of others helped me understand the true meaning of love and selflessness. 00:02:46.516 --> 00:02:52.826 align:middle Through this story, I learned that the most powerful stories speak to our hearts. 00:02:52.996 --> 00:02:58.616 align:middle They challenge us and call us to reflect on the deeper meaning of life. 00:03:01.916 --> 00:03:04.676 align:middle But this journey for me was not easy. 00:03:04.676 --> 00:03:08.476 align:middle There were many challenges along the way, working full time, 00:03:08.476 --> 00:03:11.936 align:middle raising a family, and even facing illness. 00:03:12.036 --> 00:03:22.306 align:middle It did not only create better -- I'm sorry, I did it not only to create better opportunities 00:03:22.306 --> 00:03:26.596 align:middle for myself, but also to provide a better life for my children. 00:03:26.946 --> 00:03:30.986 align:middle I wanted to show my daughters that it's never too late to follow your dreams. 00:03:30.986 --> 00:03:38.416 align:middle So no matter how many obstacles stand in your way, I wanted to be an example for them, 00:03:38.416 --> 00:03:42.416 align:middle and the example that it's never too late to pursue education, 00:03:42.476 --> 00:03:45.106 align:middle take risks, and reach for something bigger. 00:03:47.736 --> 00:03:56.466 align:middle Today I stand before you as proof that with hard work, dedication, and the support of those 00:03:56.466 --> 00:03:59.106 align:middle who we love, anything is possible. 00:03:59.246 --> 00:04:03.866 align:middle I'm almost done. 00:04:03.866 --> 00:04:10.186 align:middle I want to take a moment to congratulate my fellow graduates, especially my peers 00:04:10.186 --> 00:04:16.206 align:middle who have shown incredible dedication, hard work, and perseverance throughout this journey. 00:04:16.906 --> 00:04:21.496 align:middle You have all faced every challenge with determination and grace, 00:04:22.046 --> 00:04:24.336 align:middle never allowing obstacles to stand in your way. 00:04:24.336 --> 00:04:30.486 align:middle Earning this degree is a testament to your strength 00:04:30.486 --> 00:04:33.626 align:middle and your steadfast commitment to your goals. 00:04:34.396 --> 00:04:37.246 align:middle You've proven that no dream is too big 00:04:37.246 --> 00:04:42.076 align:middle and no goal is unattainable with hard work and persistence. 00:04:42.696 --> 00:04:48.606 align:middle As we move forward in the next chapter of our lives, I want to share a quote from the song 00:04:48.966 --> 00:04:57.116 align:middle "Defying Gravity," which is from Wicked, that inspires me, and it may inspire you as well. 00:04:57.116 --> 00:05:00.626 align:middle Unlimited, together we're unlimited. 00:05:01.096 --> 00:05:07.126 align:middle Together we'll be the greatest team there's ever been. 00:05:07.786 --> 00:05:14.556 align:middle Dreams, the way we planned them, if we work in tandem, there's no fight we cannot win. 00:05:15.726 --> 00:05:22.246 align:middle So if you care to find me, look to the western sky. 00:05:22.516 --> 00:05:28.476 align:middle As someone told me lately, everyone deserves the chance to fly. 00:05:28.476 --> 00:05:33.006 align:middle You've earned your chance to fly, and I do not doubt that you will soar 00:05:33.006 --> 00:05:35.966 align:middle to new heights in everything you do. 00:05:36.186 --> 00:05:38.016 align:middle Congratulations once again. 00:05:38.266 --> 00:05:38.896 align:middle Thank you.