WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.000 Hello everybody, welcome, thank you for being here today. 00:00:04.000 --> 00:00:08.000 It is no secret, that in order to get to this point in our educational careers, 00:00:08.000 --> 00:00:12.000 We have made a few mistakes. It is also clear, that following 00:00:12.000 --> 00:00:15.000 Today, we are all destined to make many more mistakes 00:00:15.000 --> 00:00:20.000 In our lives. It is inevitable. I would like 00:00:20.000 --> 00:00:24.000 In 1928, Alexander Fleming made a mistake that would 00:00:24.000 --> 00:00:28.000 Change the outcomes of millions of lives. 00:00:28.000 --> 00:00:31.000 A researcher at St Mary's Medical School in London, 00:00:31.000 --> 00:00:35.000 Fleming was prepared to leave his laboratory for a two week vacation. 00:00:35.000 --> 00:00:39.000 In a haste, he left a Petri dish with a type of staff bacteria 00:00:39.000 --> 00:00:42.000 Out in the open, rather than placing it in the incubator 00:00:42.000 --> 00:00:46.000 To his surprise, this oversight led to a monumental discovery. 00:00:46.000 --> 00:00:51.000 A type of mold in the penicillin genus, made its way into the Petri dish, 00:00:51.000 --> 00:00:54.000 And its secretions inhibited the growth of the bacteria. 00:00:54.000 --> 00:00:58.000 Fleming had discovered the antibiotic, penicillin. 00:00:58.000 --> 00:00:64.000 This antibiotic has saved millions of lives from previously untreatable infections and diseases. 00:01:04.000 --> 00:01:08.000 It was discovered because of a mistake. 00:01:08.000 --> 00:01:12.000 All humans, regardless of backgrounds, are susceptible to mistakes. 00:01:12.000 --> 00:01:16.000 It does not matter who you are, or where you come from. Each of us 00:01:16.000 --> 00:01:20.000 Is connect to all other humans through our flaws, our missteps 00:01:20.000 --> 00:01:24.000 Our oversights. Its in these very moments when we 00:01:24.000 --> 00:01:28.000 Open our eyes, and realize that something is not right, that we must capitalize 00:01:28.000 --> 00:01:32.000 On the opportunity at hand. That opportunity is growth. 00:01:32.000 --> 00:01:36.000 We are so lucky to know, right now, that our learning does not end 00:01:36.000 --> 00:01:40.000 When we walk across this stage. We get to leave here today, and continue our journey 00:01:40.000 --> 00:01:44.000 Through life trying, failing, learning, and growing 00:01:44.000 --> 00:01:48.000 In whoever we want to be. Some say our failures do not 00:01:48.000 --> 00:01:53.000 Define who we are, I have to disagree. How we react to our failures 00:01:53.000 --> 00:01:56.000 Learn from them, grow because of them, 00:01:56.000 --> 00:01:60.000 And keep trying because we might fail again, shows 00:02:00.000 --> 00:02:04.000 Who we are. After we leave here today, we will all 00:02:04.000 --> 00:02:08.000 Have two things in common. We are all graduates of Western Oregon University, 00:02:08.000 --> 00:02:12.000 And we will all make mistakes. 00:02:12.000 --> 00:02:16.000 My hope for us, is that each of us, are brave enough, and courageous enough, 00:02:16.000 --> 00:02:20.000 To try. Mary Tyler Morre once said, Take chances, 00:02:20.000 --> 00:02:24.000 Make mistakes. That is how you grow. You have to fail 00:02:24.000 --> 00:02:28.000 In order to practice being brave. So my challenge for us is this. 00:02:28.000 --> 00:02:32.000 Be brave, fail epically, and never stop learning. 00:02:32.000 --> 00:02:36.000 Thank you. Applause. 00:02:36.000 --> 00:02:40.000 Applause 00:02:40.000 --> 00:02:44.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:02:44.000 --> 00:02:48.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:02:48.000 --> 00:02:52.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:02:52.000 --> 00:02:56.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:02:56.000 --> 00:02:60.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:03:00.000 --> 00:03:04.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:03:04.000 --> 00:03:08.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:03:08.000 --> 00:03:12.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:03:12.000 --> 00:03:16.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:03:16.000 --> 00:03:20.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:03:20.000 --> 00:03:24.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:28.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:03:28.000 --> 00:03:32.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:03:32.000 --> 00:03:36.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:03:36.000 --> 00:03:40.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:03:40.000 --> 00:03:44.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:03:44.000 --> 00:03:48.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:03:48.000 --> 00:03:52.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:03:52.000 --> 00:03:56.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:03:56.000 --> 00:03:60.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:04.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:04:04.000 --> 00:04:08.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:04:08.000 --> 00:04:12.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:04:12.000 --> 00:04:16.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:04:16.000 --> 00:04:20.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:04:20.000 --> 00:04:24.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:04:24.000 --> 00:04:28.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:04:28.000 --> 00:04:32.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:04:32.000 --> 00:04:36.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:04:36.000 --> 00:04:40.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:04:40.000 --> 00:04:44.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:04:44.000 --> 00:04:48.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:04:48.000 --> 00:04:52.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:04:52.000 --> 00:04:56.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:04:56.000 --> 00:04:60.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:05:00.000 --> 00:05:04.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:05:04.000 --> 00:05:08.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:05:08.000 --> 00:05:12.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:05:12.000 --> 00:05:16.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:05:16.000 --> 00:05:20.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:05:20.000 --> 00:05:24.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:05:24.000 --> 00:05:28.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:05:28.000 --> 00:05:32.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:05:32.000 --> 00:05:36.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:05:36.000 --> 00:05:40.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:05:40.000 --> 00:05:44.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:05:44.000 --> 00:05:48.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:05:48.000 --> 00:05:52.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:05:52.000 --> 00:05:56.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:05:56.000 --> 00:05:60.000 Speaking Spanish. 00:06:00.000 --> 00:06:04.000 I have two versions, so a little water real quick. 00:06:04.000 --> 00:06:08.000 I am honored to be a WOU commencement speaker, for the graduating 00:06:08.000 --> 00:06:12.000 Class of 2019. I hope to find a message that resonates 00:06:12.000 --> 00:06:16.000 With everyone. Phrases like crap, that was due tomorrow, to when we used to 00:06:16.000 --> 00:06:20.000 Say YOLO in 2015, to unifying themes 00:06:20.000 --> 00:06:24.000 And phrases like climate change is real. Trans rights and women's right 00:06:24.000 --> 00:06:28.000 Are human rights. The pay gap exists! 00:06:28.000 --> 00:06:32.000 Less discrimination, more acceptance. 00:06:32.000 --> 00:06:36.000 And of course, by my girl Ariana Grande, thank you, next. 00:06:36.000 --> 00:06:40.000 We are all candidates. 00:06:40.000 --> 00:06:44.000 Ultimately I realized there is no way that I can think of a theme that resonates 00:06:44.000 --> 00:06:48.000 With all of you, which is what makes it so beautiful. We are so diverse 00:06:48.000 --> 00:06:52.000 With our own experiences and backgrounds, that one size does not fit all. 00:06:52.000 --> 00:06:56.000 Finally, I realized that the theme was right in front of me. 00:06:56.000 --> 00:06:60.000 Authenticity, Diversity, and journey for self identity 00:07:00.000 --> 00:07:04.000 Once you know yourself and establish a personal code, no one can take that away 00:07:04.000 --> 00:07:08.000 Just like the degrees we are receiving today. 00:07:08.000 --> 00:07:12.000 Not only did WOU give me the opportunity to challenge myself academically, 00:07:12.000 --> 00:07:16.000 But allowed me to question my beliefs, values, the status quo 00:07:16.000 --> 00:07:20.000 Social constructs, and anything or anyone. 00:07:20.000 --> 00:07:24.000 As a first generation cismale, 00:07:24.000 --> 00:07:28.000 From a low income Mexican family, whose parents migrated to Hood River Oregon 00:07:28.000 --> 00:07:32.000 From a city in Mexico for a better life, I was instilled with rich, ethnic 00:07:32.000 --> 00:07:36.000 Culture that my parents shared with me, with traditional Latino values 00:07:36.000 --> 00:07:40.000 And norms of service, familia, machismo, and quality of work. 00:07:40.000 --> 00:07:44.000 At the same time shared insight on social cultural 00:07:44.000 --> 00:07:48.000 And economical gaps and deficiencies that I slowly understood. 00:07:48.000 --> 00:07:52.000 As my two worlds collided between Mexican and American life, I realized 00:07:52.000 --> 00:07:56.000 That myself identity was pre ordained. But. This allowed me 00:07:56.000 --> 00:07:60.000 To embrace my hardships and transform them into drive, motivation, 00:08:00.000 --> 00:08:04.000 Embrace diversity even more, and ask myself, why not me? 00:08:04.000 --> 00:08:06.000 When it came to attending a four year university. 00:08:06.000 --> 00:08:12.000 Eventually WOU welcomed me with the Diversity Commitment scholarship. 00:08:12.000 --> 00:08:16.000 I was momentarily derailed by an obstacle that challenged my inherited beliefs 00:08:16.000 --> 00:08:20.000 And values, and emerged into a world that ultimately tumbled me 00:08:20.000 --> 00:08:24.000 Into self elimination, depression, and suicidal tendencies. 00:08:24.000 --> 00:08:28.000 I had to hide my sexual orientation due to not wanting to feel outcasted, judged, 00:08:28.000 --> 00:08:32.000 And rejected as I grasped to the terms. This was the most brutal 00:08:32.000 --> 00:08:36.000 Self to self battle that I have ever endured. And I do not say this for empathy, 00:08:36.000 --> 00:08:40.000 I fought to create awareness about 00:08:40.000 --> 00:08:44.000 These hardships, and help eradicate prejudice about the 00:08:44.000 --> 00:08:48.000 LGBTQ+ community that consists in all cultures. 00:08:48.000 --> 00:08:52.000 And I am mad at myself for letting a biggotted 00:08:52.000 --> 00:08:56.000 Small mind set potentially derail my path, and I stand here with pride 00:08:56.000 --> 00:08:60.000 Representing the LGBTQ+ community. 00:09:00.000 --> 00:09:04.000 applause 00:09:04.000 --> 00:09:08.000 Which leads me back to what helped me get to this spot. 00:09:08.000 --> 00:09:12.000 Authenticity, Diversity, and journey for self identity. 00:09:12.000 --> 00:09:16.000 Many of us are like I do not know what the heck I am or what I want to do after graduation, 00:09:16.000 --> 00:09:20.000 I challenge you to be comfortable with who you are, 00:09:20.000 --> 00:09:24.000 Be open minded, pursue your authentic passions, continue to ask 00:09:24.000 --> 00:09:28.000 Questions, and do things that you have always wanted to try. 00:09:28.000 --> 00:09:32.000 Find what intrinsically motivates you, celebrate it, 00:09:32.000 --> 00:09:36.000 And use it as a personal code. We have all made an impact 00:09:36.000 --> 00:09:40.000 On Western Oregon university, and we will do the same with whatever we embark on. 00:09:40.000 --> 00:09:44.000 Failures are unavoidable in life, but how we bounce back is 00:09:44.000 --> 00:09:48.000 What determines our path with resilience. We have all made our 00:09:48.000 --> 00:09:52.000 Fair shares of obstacles and mistakes along the way in these four years, yet we learn from 00:09:52.000 --> 00:09:56.000 Them, and now are graduating with a degree. 00:09:56.000 --> 00:09:60.000 Wooo yeah. And remember. 00:10:00.000 --> 00:10:04.000 We have the power to create change, and shape a life and democracy 00:10:04.000 --> 00:10:08.000 That we are proud of and represents us. Get ready, 00:10:08.000 --> 00:10:12.000 Class, we have work to do out there. Congratulations to the graduating 00:10:12.000 --> 00:10:16.000 Class of 2019. We made it. 00:10:16.000 --> 00:10:20.000 Applause. 00:10:20.000 --> 00:10:24.000 So I feel like I am amongst family, so I am going to talk 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:28.000 Like I am amongst family. As I grew up, I grew up in 00:10:28.000 --> 00:10:32.000 the church, and when you hear something that you agree with 00:10:32.000 --> 00:10:36.000 Or like, you say Amen. So, if you guys hear anything 00:10:36.000 --> 00:10:40.000 That resonates with you, feel free to say amen. Amen. 00:10:40.000 --> 00:10:44.000 Amen there you go. Good morning, 00:10:44.000 --> 00:10:48.000 I first would like to say thank you to the outstanding graduate school committee 00:10:48.000 --> 00:10:52.000 For awarding me with this great honor, and also to say 00:10:52.000 --> 00:10:56.000 Thank you to the faculty and staff who have nominated me. 00:10:56.000 --> 00:10:60.000 I am grateful and thankful to be able to speak in front of you today, thank you very much. 00:11:00.000 --> 00:11:04.000 Today is a great day. 00:11:04.000 --> 00:11:08.000 And will be one of the happiest moments of our lives. As we soak in this moment 00:11:08.000 --> 00:11:12.000 And ravish in our accomplishments here at WOU, 00:11:12.000 --> 00:11:16.000 I would like to remind us of the influential supports that have impacted 00:11:16.000 --> 00:11:20.000 Us along the way. Whether that support has been seen through God, 00:11:20.000 --> 00:11:24.000 Family, friends, staff, 00:11:24.000 --> 00:11:28.000 Or faculty members, significant others, 00:11:28.000 --> 00:11:32.000 Coaches, someone in the community, an advisor, 00:11:32.000 --> 00:11:36.000 Or even those who have doubted us, I would like for us to remain thankful 00:11:36.000 --> 00:11:40.000 For this moment. Amen, you guys got it. 00:11:40.000 --> 00:11:44.000 To the graduating class of 2019, 00:11:44.000 --> 00:11:48.000 I would like to say congratulations on our great accomplishment for graduating, 00:11:48.000 --> 00:11:52.000 Applause 00:11:52.000 --> 00:11:56.000 Our perseverance, tenacity, determination, 00:11:56.000 --> 00:11:60.000 Along with Quizlet, Sparknotes, Redbulls, 00:12:00.000 --> 00:12:04.000 Applause 00:12:04.000 --> 00:12:08.000 Yeah. Quizlet. 00:12:08.000 --> 00:12:12.000 Countless all nighters have been 00:12:12.000 --> 00:12:16.000 An important component that has helped us to this successful moment 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:20.000 And is a noteworthy milestone in our lives, 00:12:20.000 --> 00:12:24.000 Before we get into the other festivity's 00:12:24.000 --> 00:12:28.000 Of the graduation ceremony, there are four quick points that I would like to mention. 00:12:28.000 --> 00:12:32.000 In hopes that these words inspire you as you go on to change the world 00:12:32.000 --> 00:12:36.000 Impact the lives of many, and make 00:12:36.000 --> 00:12:40.000 Western proud. If I were to title this 00:12:40.000 --> 00:12:44.000 Speech, I would entitle it as answer the call. 00:12:44.000 --> 00:12:48.000 Answer the call. 00:12:48.000 --> 00:12:52.000 Now some of you may wonder, what does he mean by the call. 00:12:52.000 --> 00:12:53.000 I define the call as the call for your life 00:12:53.000 --> 00:12:56.000 I define the call as the call for your life 00:12:56.000 --> 00:12:60.000 Doing what you were meant to do to affect change in this world. 00:13:00.000 --> 00:13:04.000 And to positively impact others. Understand 00:13:04.000 --> 00:13:08.000 That the call for our lives is individualized, and personalized 00:13:08.000 --> 00:13:12.000 For each and every one of us. My call in fact might be different 00:13:12.000 --> 00:13:16.000 From yours, and that's ok. The important part 00:13:16.000 --> 00:13:20.000 Is that we are all doing our part, playing our role, 00:13:20.000 --> 00:13:24.000 And helping others. Amen. 00:13:24.000 --> 00:13:28.000 Next, I would like to encourage you to be fearless. When you recieve 00:13:28.000 --> 00:13:32.000 The call, do not be nervous, do not be afraid. 00:13:32.000 --> 00:13:36.000 Or remember the experience that you have gone through, 00:13:36.000 --> 00:13:40.000 And triumph over, and use them as guiding lights to lead you. 00:13:40.000 --> 00:13:44.000 And always remember. Greatness is in you. 00:13:44.000 --> 00:13:48.000 Greatness made you. Amen 00:13:48.000 --> 00:13:52.000 And if for whatever reason you miss the call 00:13:52.000 --> 00:13:56.000 Let it be because you were distracted, because you hesitated, 00:13:56.000 --> 00:13:60.000 Or because you were unsure, pick up the phone. 00:14:00.000 --> 00:14:04.000 Dial star 69, and regain what is rightfully yours. 00:14:04.000 --> 00:14:07.000 applause 00:14:07.000 --> 00:14:10.000 In closing, I would like to state one more fact. 00:14:10.000 --> 00:14:15.000 And if you do not remember anything else I have said today, I hope that you can hold 00:14:15.000 --> 00:14:20.000 Onto this, and remember it forever. Though answering the call is important 00:14:20.000 --> 00:14:24.000 The ultimate point, that we should be striving to attain, 00:14:24.000 --> 00:14:27.000 Is understanding how we can positively 00:14:27.000 --> 00:14:30.000 Impact the lives of others 00:14:30.000 --> 00:14:33.000 As stated by Dr Reverend 00:14:33.000 --> 00:14:36.000 stated by Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr 00:14:36.000 --> 00:14:40.000 Lifes most persistent, and urgent question 00:14:40.000 --> 00:14:44.000 Is what are you doing for others. What are you doing 00:14:44.000 --> 00:14:48.000 For others. What are you doing for the marginalized, 00:14:48.000 --> 00:14:52.000 What are you doing for the downtrodden. What are you doing for the 00:14:52.000 --> 00:14:56.000 Those who cannot do or speak for themselves. 00:14:56.000 --> 00:14:60.000 What are we doing for those who may have lost their way. 00:15:00.000 --> 00:15:04.000 As we receive our degrees and our experiences, the tools 00:15:04.000 --> 00:15:08.000 That we have learned here, the relationships that we have built, and the knowledge 00:15:08.000 --> 00:15:12.000 That we have acquired, I challenge us all to think about 00:15:12.000 --> 00:15:16.000 How we can do more for others 00:15:16.000 --> 00:15:20.000 How we can be of service to someone else, and use the skills 00:15:20.000 --> 00:15:24.000 That we have learned here to foster unity in everyone we come in 00:15:24.000 --> 00:15:28.000 Contact with. Thank you. 00:15:28.000 --> 00:15:32.000 Applause 00:15:32.000 --> 00:15:33.000 Applause