Today was supposed to be my graduation day, I was supposed to get one last time to walk across the stage, throw my cap, and hug my friends. I'm sure many 2020 grads share my sentiments, at some point or another we took a moment and cried about the loss of graduation. I know because I did once again about 15 minutes before writing this.
I have friends who will go on to do bigger and better things at med school and grad school, but for some of us, this was it. Today was meant to be a culmination of years of hard work and the end of our academic careers. Today when we stepped off the stage it was to the rest of our lives. I will very candidly tell you, because of corona I have no idea what that is supposed to look like now. There isn't a job waiting for me like I hoped there would be, and frankly, I don't when I'll be able to get a job in the field I trained for. That is terrifying and heartbreaking.
My time at Auburn taught me a lot. It taught me to grow into who I wanted to be. It showed me that I was okay on my own. It gave me life long friends and memories. One of the most beautiful things Auburn gave me was the creed. A creed to live by and honor as Auburn men and women no matter where we are in the world.
I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work.
Auburn showed me how hard I could work in all my academic classes, but none like my capstone class junior year. I was pushed in every aspect of the word and in that enviroment I thrived. I learned that hard work and perseverance will get you everywhere and for that, I am forever grateful.
I believe in education, which gives me the knowledge to work wisely and trains my mind and my hands to work skillfully.
During my four years at Auburn, I was taught skills I never knew I needed. There is no greater thing you can recieve than knowledge. Thank you to all the teachers who gave me that.
I believe in honesty and truthfulness, without which I cannot win the respect and confidence of my fellow men.
Auburn allowed me to understand that sometimes the truth hurts but it is a necessity in relationships. I learned to foster relationships with truth in an effort to earn mutual respect. I am thankful for all the people who came along my path.
I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid, and in clean sports that develop these qualities.
I was allowed to learn to embrace fear rather than reject it. I soared with Nova, Spirit, and Aurea as learned to navigate the world around me. War Eagle!
I believe in obedience to law because it protects the rights of all.
Whenever I was in Auburn I felt safe, knowing that there were me and women ensuring our safety. Thank you to the men and women of the Auburn Police Department.
I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all.
I will forver be thankful for the love and hugs of the people who became my family. I love you all and it is because of you my Auburn experience was filled with so much love.
I believe in my Country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by "doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God."
Auburn allowed me to be a part of the US. Coast Guard Auxiliary. I was able to do my best by giving even a little to my country. Sempre Paratus.
And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it.
Auburn helped shape me into the woman I am today--a proud Auburn Woman.
War Damn Eagle Forever!
Here's to the class of 2020 may we conquer everything that life throws at us.
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