Photos by Ralph Freso
Grand Canyon University decided to feature student speakers for commencement a few years ago, and it’s typically a five-minute treatise that includes jokes about campus dining and panic-stricken late papers before heartfelt thanks to mom and dad.
But it also comes with some inspiration and peer-to-peer advice, and this spring’s speakers at the five ceremonies for traditional students had life nuggets that can apply to all, as will this week's online student speakers next up at the mic.
Be the unifying light
Caleb Tsosie, BA in Christian Ministry
He started his speech in his native Navajo language but said one thing transcends all tribes, tongues, cultures and borders – Jesus. His advice is to follow Jesus’ unifying foundation.
“Because of this firm foundation, go out with confidence and be the light. Go out in the trenches and be willing to love your neighbor as yourself. Be prepared and be excited to be on the front lines wherever God sends you, whether to an office to create art and music, to hospital rooms, to classes, to churches. Wherever you may be, let the unifying strength of God carry you through every season. … And when you fail, don’t stay down, get up. When you have been brought to your lowest point, don’t stay down, get up. … When you don’t feel like you don’t belong anywhere, remember the ways Jesus unites us together.”
Live in the present
Bridget Boltz, Bachelor of Science in Sociology
As a self-described voracious reader, Boltz said she would always envy the great adventures of characters in the novels.
“I would regret I would never be able to make a landmark discovery in archeology, go out to explore the Old West or dance at a grand ball in the presence of royalty. Eventually, I realized I would never be able to experience life in any way at all unless I went out and lived this life I was actually in, instead of daydreaming about the future or living in the past. By living in the present, I have been able to go on my own brand of adventures and help those around me. … Never focus on what’s behind you or dread what lies ahead but what God has given you in your life now.”
Listen to God to choose purpose
Elita Johnson, Bachelor of Arts in Digital Design
Johnson said her name means “chosen one” in Latin, and as an adopted child from China, she was chosen by her parents and first by God. But after that she did her own choosing – of a college – and upon arrival at GCU kept seeing banners all over: Find your purpose.
“I asked myself, “Find my purpose? Where did it go?’ … After I read the definition, I connected the dots. God created us for an intentional purpose, we are made in His image, and we have a divine purpose to intentionally pursue Christ-like character and behavior, to love as He loved, and to walk as His chosen people. We are made in His image. Our purpose is a reflection of Him. As graduates, this is our purpose, to carry that charge into the world beyond the GCU gates and live it every day,” she said, adding that it will involve making tough choices along the way. “Here's what I know. With God’s help, we will make the right choices. With God’s help, we will choose to be faithful to our calling to lead a purpose-filled life.”
Find success through failures
Molly Sentell, Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
She told a story about a group competition in her strategic management class, when she and her fellow students were confident in their final-hour rally to try to better rivals.
“Through our hard work and teamwork, we were dead last. But we found humility and success in other areas through failure. And you will encounter similar struggles and face failures. But that shouldn’t stop you from working hard. We all have the abilities and the tools to do something with it. No one will do it for us. Have the integrity to try. Fun fact. You might fail. But that’s OK. Failure gives you more success in finding your purpose and what you’re good at.”
Encourage others with uplifting words
Leilani Lemos, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Lemos said she never forgot what a pastor labeled the word that people say that you never forget – “brain tattoos.” They can be helpful or hurtful, kind of unkind.
“When we speak, we have that power. The words and tone we use matter. It affects people. How are we going to affect people with our speech? I prefer tattooing the brains of people with encouragement and uplifting words. So let’s be mindful of our speech as we go into the world. … we have the power to choose the right words that can inspire hope and strength and resilience in individuals.”
Grand Canyon University senior writer Mike Kilen can be reached at mike.kilen@gcu.edu
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This week's speakers
More wisdom from speakers at spring commencement for online and cohort students starts Tuesday in Global Credit Union Arena:
4 p.m. Tuesday – Audrey Moungolo Iboumbi, Master of Divinity
10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday – Dr. Jennifer Kennedy, Doctor of Nursing Practice
10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Thursday – Yesenia Sanchez, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
10 a.m. Friday – Dee Anderson, Master of Social Work
4 p.m. Friday – Jim Boyachek, Master of Business Administration
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