By: Dr. Cheri Gallman, Commencement Speaker
Good Afternoon, as I look out onto this crowd I am reminded of a quote that I came across. I never did find the author, but it really speaks to me here.
“It’s not where you are in life, it’s who you have by your side that matters.” – Unknown
I want to start off by saying congratulations and thank you to President Senese, faculty, staff, and administrators of Saint Leo, and to the families and friends here supporting us, and congratulations to us, the class of 2020! Applause
We did it! We have reached the pinnacle of our efforts and hard work. I know for myself, it has been a ten-year partnership with Saint Leo.
I say partnership because Saint Leo is a close-knit community. I chose Saint Leo like many of you because of the core values it represents and because of the family and community atmosphere.
It is through this family at Saint Leo, the support of my own family, and the friendship and support of my cohort that I stand before you here today.
I was recently asked what it meant to me to be the first to receive a doctorate in my department here at St. Leo and why did I want to get the degree? The answers to both questions are very related.
As an online middle school teacher, I am faced with a special set of challenges.
There is a large gap in the research dealing with the barriers that exist for online middle school students.
There is simply a lot that we have to learn about how to deliver a system that provides every student the best possible opportunity to succeed.
This is why I decided to pursue an advanced degree. I simply wanted to arm myself with the capability to attack the problems I faced every day and to make a difference for myself as well as other online teachers.
Fortunately, I found what I was looking for here at St. Leo. The core values and program orientation were exactly what I needed.
I was encouraged by the faculty here at Saint Leo to pursue my research. They have supported me every step of the way.
My research here has afforded me an opportunity to be a leader in establishing strategies and methods that best assist the online student.
I continue my research today to close the gap in overcoming the barriers that exist for the online middle school student so they may be successful in their online classes.
And, this is why I am so proud and happy to be part of the first class to graduate. Carrying my St. Leo credentials into the workplace as I continue my research has been my dream.
In the Dept of Graduate Education here at Saint Leo, as in the other departments here, students form close bonds with their learning community.
Those of us here today earning our Doctorate degree representing the Dept. of Education have worked side by side for many years forming a lasting bond and deep friendship with each other as well as the professors and staff who have guided us every step of the way.
There were many times all of us have fallen only to be picked back up by either our instructors, our families, or each other. We are a strong cohort, and we are here today because of that unwavering support of our own families as well as our Saint Leo family.
It has been a long journey, but we have made it through with teamwork. Dr. Aefsky, our Director of Graduate Studies and Dr. Carver were our fearless leaders.
Dr. Aefsky gave our cohort this little statue for our desks that reminds one that indeed it takes teamwork. (Describe it) I still have it there sitting proudly on my desk. I am sure the rest of my cohort has theirs out on their desks as well.
Dr. Aefsky told us from the beginning of our journey that we would make it, she would not let us quit, and that our cohort (each other) was our strongest asset. Boy, did she mean that! Dr Aefsky, Dr. Carver, Dr. Lamb, and Dr.Mukherjee tirelessly worked to make sure we persevered.
There were many late- night phone conversations among the cohort where we were sounding boards for each other, offering words of wisdom or inspiration to keep going- don’t give up.
Crying or mad emoticons went back and forth. But our cohort was instrumental in helping each of us succeed. Even though we were in an online program, we still developed deep and lasting relationships. It is hard to go it alone, and one thing I can definitely say, we are stronger together.
We are a community and we are definitely stewards to each other. I can also tell you that there were many after hours conversations with our department chairs as well.
I know at times we didn’t make it easy on Dr. Aefsky and Dr. Carver, but they patiently guided us through. We had a phrase Dr. Aefsky and Carver made us repeat throughout the program,
“Done by December.” (2019) Well, we weren’t quite done by December, but we darn well got done within months of that.
Those Saint Leo core values and family! (shaking head)
Having the opportunity to work online at Saint Leo helps students stay connected and grow even through the toughest of times such as this recent scare we have all endured around the world where we were asked to self-isolate to prevent illness.
The Saint Leo family encourages us to work on ourselves and help each other in times like these rather than succumb to fears of things out of our control.
Saint Leo encourages community, and it is through community and acts of kindness and compassion for each other that we persevere through rough times.
Many of you here today will start a new chapter in your career. Some of you will continue on with your education. Whichever path you are on, remember that you have that LION Pride and core values instilled in you.
Strive for that excellence, community, respect, personal development, stewardship, and integrity in all you do.
The Saint Leo family has provided you with what you need to climb that ladder of success and reach your goals, follow your passions, and stay on the path you set for yourself.
Most importantly, stay true to who you are. Remember, you are and always will be a LION.I want to leave you with a quote from Elizabeth Warren:
“Knowing who you are will help you when it’s time to fight. Fight for the job you want, fight for the people who mean the most to you and fight for the kind of world you want to live in.
It will help when people say that’s impossible or you can’t do that.
Look, if you take the unexpected opportunities when they come up, if you know yourself, and if you fight for what you believe in, I can promise that you will live a life that is rich with meaning.”
Thank you and congratulations 2020 graduates!
