It was my great honor recently to be the Commencement Speaker for California State University, Long Beach, College of Education. The ceremony took place at Angel’s Stadium, and it was inspiring for me to witness the enthusiasm of hundreds of students receiving their doctorates, master’s and bachelor’s degrees, and teaching credentials. Although the message was delivered to graduating students, I decided to use it as a blog post since the comments are equally applicable to educators who have experienced one of the most difficult years imaginable. Hopefully you’ll find my comments encouraging.
It’s a privilege to deliver the commencement address for this incredible group of students who have persevered through one of the most challenging times in the history of the world. I’m reminded of a quote from Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, “There are uses to adversity, and they don’t reveal themselves until tested. Whether it’s serious illness, financial hardship, or the simple constraint of parents who speak limited English, difficulty can tap unexpected strengths.” Each one of you has tapped your strength, your perseverance. You’ve already experienced adversity and have come through the other side. And you’re to be congratulated.
This is a momentous time in your lives. You are deciding on next jobs, next steps, careers, or further education. As I thought about my remarks today, I reflected on lessons I’ve learned and would like to share with you.
- Go the extra mile. I was the only person in my family who went to college. I lived at home and commuted to California State University, Long Beach while working as a waitress to pay tuition and living expenses. Given my background, my greatest ambition was to finish college and be a special education teacher. I was passionate about it – and I still am. I went the extra mile and got my bilingual certification to better prepare me to work as a special education teacher. I had no idea the doors that would open as a result. Many times, you don’t want to do something extra, to serve on a committee, attend a professional development seminar, or take the lead on a project. It takes extra work and time, but often these are the most rewarding and valuable experiences. You never know the benefits you’ll reap. As writer Israelmore Ayivor says: “People may teach you, people may advise you, people may inspire you, but it takes you to go the extra mile and make an indelible impact!”
- Be willing to take risks. When I was a high school teacher, working on my master’s degree in bilingual special education in the evenings, I was very content in my job. One of my graduate professors, Stephen B. Ross, offered me the opportunity to teach English at a university in Taiwan. That was before we had the internet (yes, I am that old!) and it seemed crazy to leave a secure teaching position and go across the world. Half of my friends kept thinking that I was going to Thailand! Anyway, I took the risk. It was hard, there was initial culture shock and loneliness (phone calls were very expensive, it was almost impossible to get a clear connection and letters took two weeks to deliver), but it was the single best decision of my life to that point – it was truly life-changing. I learned the beauty of another country’s culture, its people and language. I also developed a strong sense of independence and an inner strength to do things that I had never even dreamed of previously.
When I returned to the U.S., I resumed my teaching career. One day a colleague contacted me about a teaching position at Loyola Marymount University in bilingual special education. At that time, I was the only person in California who had a degree in bilingual special education. (Remember the benefit of going the extra mile?). The position was funded by a 5-year grant so if I left the district, I’d give up all the security that I’d accumulated and step into an unknown future. Having taken one risk, going to Taiwan, empowered me to take another. I took the job and completed my Ph.D. at UCLA. The experience I gained prepared me for a position as a professor at CSULB where I worked with amazing colleagues and flourished in my career.
For the first 10 years of my career, I never imagined where the path I was on would take me, including doing research, writing professional books, or being invited to speak all over the world to educators. You can’t predict how you’ll use your education. As you get older, your interests and your skills will grow and evolve. My advice is to be open to change. Don’t be afraid to try something new. It might be changing schools, taking a leadership position, or entering into a professional partnership. Take a risk when opportunity arises.
3. Follow your passion. You picked your field of study for a reason. What was the idea or problem or experience that aroused your passion? Identify the things that really resonated with you in your field experiences and your course work. Then, surround yourself with others who share your passion. I’m fortunate to have collaborated with two colleagues, Dr. Deborah Short and Dr. MaryEllen Vogt, for more than 25 years. They are equally passionate about educating English learners, and without them I can humbly say that my career would not have been the same. Our synergy propels us to explore new ideas and projects. Collaborate with others who are passionate, and stay away from negativity, the nay-sayers, those who don’t have vision and resent yours. As Albert Einstein said, “Stay away from negative people. They have a problem for every solution.” I have found those words to be true. During tough periods in your career – and you will have them – tap into your passion and embrace it. Let it feed you, inspire you, keep you keeping on.
Each of you has selected a profession that is in service to others. These are honorable professions, and you are to be commended for your choices. Ultimately, it’s not the things you accumulate in life that bring you joy, it is helping others, being compassionate, touching lives, and making a difference in the world.
As you embark on your future, consider which of your professors influenced you or inspired you? What qualities does he or she possess? Or those of a fellow student with whom you wanted to work, or someone in whom you could trust or confide? Most of us can identify people in our lives who stand out, who we gravitate toward, who we feel better for having been with. Become that person. Exude those qualities for your students, your clients, the people in your sphere of influence. In the long run, that’s what others will remember about you. Be the person who, down the road, others will say inspired them.
Remember it’s not what you are but who you are that matters most.
In closing, this has been an extraordinary year! There is much for you and your families to celebrate today. You’ve received a world-class education and I can’t wait to see what you do with it.