WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.000 music 00:00:09.000 --> 00:00:12.000 Hello and congratulations to 00:00:12.000 --> 00:00:14.000 the Class of 2023. Lo logramos! 00:00:14.000 --> 00:00:17.000 What are your plans after graduation? 00:00:17.000 --> 00:00:19.000 A question that torments us every day 00:00:19.000 --> 00:00:20.000 as we battle through 00:00:20.000 --> 00:00:22.000 making it past the last few weeks 00:00:22.000 --> 00:00:23.000 to cross this dreamed of stage. 00:00:23.000 --> 00:00:25.000 A stage that four years ago 00:00:25.000 --> 00:00:27.000 seemed almost impossible to reach. 00:00:27.000 --> 00:00:30.000 Today, you're making the impossible become reality. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:31.000 And although, we all went through 00:00:31.000 --> 00:00:33.000 different journeys to get to this point, 00:00:33.000 --> 00:00:35.000 one thing theyshared in common was 00:00:35.000 --> 00:00:38.000 the inner drive to become someone better for ourselves. 00:00:38.000 --> 00:00:40.000 No matter how hard this journey became, 00:00:40.000 --> 00:00:43.000 it was because of your determination 00:00:43.000 --> 00:00:45.000 and hard work that you made it this far. 00:00:45.000 --> 00:00:46.000 Like all journeys, they don't 00:00:46.000 --> 00:00:48.000 always work out the way you planned, 00:00:48.000 --> 00:00:50.000 but I strongly believe that 00:00:50.000 --> 00:00:52.000 things always happen for a reason. 00:00:52.000 --> 00:00:53.000 Whether that is because it was not 00:00:53.000 --> 00:00:56.000 the correct timing or simply because the door 00:00:56.000 --> 00:00:57.000 was meant to be closed in order for 00:00:57.000 --> 00:00:60.000 bigger and brighter things to come into your life. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:02.000 My journey was not easy. 00:01:02.000 --> 00:01:04.000 Growing up as a first-generation Latina 00:01:04.000 --> 00:01:06.000 in a constant survival mode, 00:01:06.000 --> 00:01:08.000 my fight or flight responses follow me. 00:01:08.000 --> 00:01:10.000 Combined with the imposter syndrome, 00:01:10.000 --> 00:01:12.000 it was a constant battle for me to believe 00:01:12.000 --> 00:01:14.000 that I was deserving of good things in my life. 00:01:14.000 --> 00:01:17.000 This is a reminder to you that you 00:01:17.000 --> 00:01:18.000 are deserving of good things in life, 00:01:18.000 --> 00:01:20.000 and to believe that it's true. 00:01:20.000 --> 00:01:23.000 Consider every step you take as a new opportunity 00:01:23.000 --> 00:01:25.000 to see what lies ahead of you. 00:01:25.000 --> 00:01:27.000 Para mis padres y hermanas, este logro es para ustedes. 00:01:27.000 --> 00:01:32.000 Esto no lo podr'a haber logrado sin sus sacrificios, esfuerzos, y apoyo. 00:01:32.000 --> 00:01:34.000 Ustedes me pintaron las alas para que pudiera volar. 00:01:34.000 --> 00:01:37.000 Gracias Mama y papa, los quiero mucho. 00:01:37.000 --> 00:01:39.000 To my parents, this is for you. When my parents arrived 00:01:39.000 --> 00:01:42.000 in this so-called free country over two decades ago, 00:01:42.000 --> 00:01:44.000 they had no idea what their lives would become. 00:01:44.000 --> 00:01:46.000 They simply knew they will make something better of 00:01:46.000 --> 00:01:48.000 themselves and be the change 00:01:48.000 --> 00:01:50.000 that their families dreamed of. 00:01:50.000 --> 00:01:53.000 They have both sacrificed so much in order to give 00:01:53.000 --> 00:01:56.000 me and my sisters the life they never got to have. 00:01:56.000 --> 00:01:58.000 It is because of their sacrifices 00:01:58.000 --> 00:01:60.000 that I'm able to be here today. 00:02:00.000 --> 00:02:01.000 I'm thankful for the opportunity 00:02:01.000 --> 00:02:03.000 to honor not only my parents, 00:02:03.000 --> 00:02:06.000 but the millions of other Hispanic and American parents 00:02:06.000 --> 00:02:07.000 that share that same story. 00:02:07.000 --> 00:02:10.000 I'm fortunate to represent my community today, 00:02:10.000 --> 00:02:12.000 and as a reminder that we 00:02:12.000 --> 00:02:14.000 too deserve freedom and liberty. 00:02:14.000 --> 00:02:16.000 Such as our freedom and liberties that are 00:02:16.000 --> 00:02:18.000 currently under attack in Florida. 00:02:18.000 --> 00:02:20.000 Freedom and liberties that have been 00:02:20.000 --> 00:02:21.000 stripped away from women 00:02:21.000 --> 00:02:23.000 all over the world for 00:02:23.000 --> 00:02:25.000 making a decision over their bodies. 00:02:25.000 --> 00:02:27.000 And freedom and liberties that have been lost, 00:02:27.000 --> 00:02:29.000 trying to make it past 00:02:29.000 --> 00:02:32.000 their journey to reach the American dream. 00:02:32.000 --> 00:02:34.000 Pero recuerden que aunque no les guste, 00:02:34.000 --> 00:02:37.000 pertenecemos aqui y estamos aqui para quedarnos. 00:02:37.000 --> 00:02:40.000 Today, hundreds of us beat the odds, 00:02:40.000 --> 00:02:42.000 and many of you are breaking barriers. 00:02:42.000 --> 00:02:43.000 Not only did you make it, 00:02:43.000 --> 00:02:46.000 but you managed to show those who doubted you, 00:02:46.000 --> 00:02:48.000 who didn't believe in you and who said you wouldn't 00:02:48.000 --> 00:02:50.000 make it to this point that they were wrong. 00:02:50.000 --> 00:02:53.000 Today, you show them and the world 00:02:53.000 --> 00:02:55.000 that you're a force to be reckoned with. 00:02:55.000 --> 00:02:58.000 As you embark on this new beginning and a new journey, 00:02:58.000 --> 00:02:60.000 remember that it's okay to not be okay, 00:03:00.000 --> 00:03:02.000 to not know, to not understand, 00:03:02.000 --> 00:03:04.000 to not have it figured out or know what comes next, 00:03:04.000 --> 00:03:05.000 as long as you're doing 00:03:05.000 --> 00:03:08.000 something every day to better yourself. 00:03:08.000 --> 00:03:10.000 This is our world and we have the power 00:03:10.000 --> 00:03:13.000 to create the change that we want to see in the world. 00:03:13.000 --> 00:03:16.000 Congratulations again, Class of 2023. Felicidades. 00:03:16.000 --> 00:03:22.000 music 00:03:22.000 --> 00:03:24.000 I would like to thank 00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:26.000 the Western Oregon University graduate program for 00:03:26.000 --> 00:03:29.000 this honor and congratulate the entire class of 00:03:32.000 --> 00:03:34.000 The experience I had here was unlike 00:03:34.000 --> 00:03:37.000 any previous education I have had before. 00:03:37.000 --> 00:03:40.000 I say here, but it wasn't entirely online, 00:03:40.000 --> 00:03:42.000 and in my case, not because of COVID. 00:03:42.000 --> 00:03:43.000 I was fortunate enough to have 00:03:44.000 --> 00:03:45.000 amazing faculty to guide me through it. 00:03:45.000 --> 00:03:47.000 I'm sure to leave some out, 00:03:47.000 --> 00:03:48.000 but I'm extremely grateful to 00:03:48.000 --> 00:03:51.000 my professors and supervisor Rich Robison, 00:03:51.000 --> 00:03:54.000 Misty Weitzel, Taryn Vanderpyl, 00:03:54.000 --> 00:03:56.000 Mari Sakiyama and Terry Gingerich 00:03:56.000 --> 00:03:58.000 especially over this past year, 00:03:58.000 --> 00:03:59.000 working on my thesis. 00:03:59.000 --> 00:03:61.000 Thank you. I would also like to thank 00:04:01.000 --> 00:04:03.000 my parents for all their sacrifice 00:04:03.000 --> 00:04:04.000 and guidance throughout my years. 00:04:04.000 --> 00:04:07.000 You both helped me become who I am today. 00:04:07.000 --> 00:04:09.000 Lastly, I want to thank my wife Emma. 00:04:09.000 --> 00:04:11.000 You have been so supportive and 00:04:11.000 --> 00:04:14.000 patient and I love you for that. 00:04:14.000 --> 00:04:16.000 Like I'm sure many of my classmates felt, 00:04:16.000 --> 00:04:17.000 I was hesitant to pursue 00:04:17.000 --> 00:04:19.000 my masters at the beginning of all this. 00:04:19.000 --> 00:04:22.000 It is an expensive and time-consuming effort. 00:04:22.000 --> 00:04:23.000 Once I did decide, 00:04:23.000 --> 00:04:26.000 it did not take long for me to have second thoughts. 00:04:26.000 --> 00:04:27.000 Was this necessary? 00:04:27.000 --> 00:04:29.000 I didn't have to do this. 00:04:29.000 --> 00:04:30.000 I could be golfing right now, 00:04:30.000 --> 00:04:34.000 Factor in other responsibilities in life, jobs, 00:04:34.000 --> 00:04:36.000 family, golfing, football, 00:04:36.000 --> 00:04:37.000 and you really have to fight back. 00:04:37.000 --> 00:04:39.000 why you partake in this endeavor. 00:04:39.000 --> 00:04:40.000 For some, it might have been 00:04:40.000 --> 00:04:42.000 to learn more about leadership. 00:04:42.000 --> 00:04:44.000 For others, it might have been because you need to have 00:04:44.000 --> 00:04:47.000 a masters to receive decent pay as a teacher. 00:04:47.000 --> 00:04:51.000 Although the process of obtaining your graduate degree, 00:04:51.000 --> 00:04:53.000 can feel rather complicated and 00:04:53.000 --> 00:04:55.000 likely all started with a fairly simple reason. 00:04:55.000 --> 00:04:57.000 For me, it was to learn more about 00:04:57.000 --> 00:04:59.000 criminal justice and further my career. 00:04:59.000 --> 00:04:61.000 Throughout the graduate program, 00:05:01.000 --> 00:05:03.000 I got the wonderful opportunity to 00:05:03.000 --> 00:05:06.000 go in-depth on many different criminology theories. 00:05:06.000 --> 00:05:09.000 However, in the world of a juvenile probation officer, 00:05:09.000 --> 00:05:11.000 theories do not always perfectly apply. 00:05:11.000 --> 00:05:13.000 You do learn why there are so many different theories, 00:05:13.000 --> 00:05:15.000 that is because there's more than one way 00:05:15.000 --> 00:05:17.000 for something to be done. 00:05:17.000 --> 00:05:19.000 It would be difficult to help each of the youth we 00:05:19.000 --> 00:05:21.000 work with if we're so stuck in 00:05:21.000 --> 00:05:23.000 putting them within some predetermined 00:05:23.000 --> 00:05:26.000 framework, rather than simply their own. 00:05:26.000 --> 00:05:28.000 Graduates are no different. 00:05:28.000 --> 00:05:31.000 We all have skills, we all have challenges, 00:05:31.000 --> 00:05:33.000 and we all have a path to success that should not be 00:05:33.000 --> 00:05:37.000 constrained by sophisticated concepts and presumptions. 00:05:37.000 --> 00:05:39.000 Regardless of what field you are in, 00:05:39.000 --> 00:05:42.000 I would challenge you to have an open mind, 00:05:42.000 --> 00:05:45.000 be creative, but above all else, keep it simple. 00:05:46.000 --> 00:05:48.000 Congratulations again and all the best in the future. 00:05:48.000 --> 00:05:55.000 music 00:05:55.000 --> 00:05:60.000 Clase de 2023, quiero felicitar a todos por estar aqu' hoy. 00:06:00.000 --> 00:06:04.000 Hoy es un logro no solo para nosotros, sino tambi'n para nuestras familias. 00:06:04.000 --> 00:06:08.000 Quiero tomar un momento para darle las gracias a mis padres; 00:06:08.000 --> 00:06:11.000 Quin eros no esta aqu' hoy, gracias por todo. 00:06:11.000 --> 00:06:13.000 Class of 2023, 00:06:13.000 --> 00:06:15.000 I want to begin by congratulating 00:06:15.000 --> 00:06:16.000 everyone for being here today. 00:06:16.000 --> 00:06:18.000 Today is an accomplishment for 00:06:18.000 --> 00:06:20.000 reasons that might not be obvious to others. 00:06:20.000 --> 00:06:23.000 As we all know, college is difficult on its own. 00:06:23.000 --> 00:06:26.000 When paired with the various identities, values, 00:06:26.000 --> 00:06:28.000 and challenges that make us who we are, 00:06:28.000 --> 00:06:30.000 it becomes all the more difficult. 00:06:30.000 --> 00:06:32.000 We are all complex individuals 00:06:32.000 --> 00:06:34.000 with different life stories and backgrounds. 00:06:34.000 --> 00:06:36.000 And though we may not know each other's stories, 00:06:36.000 --> 00:06:39.000 we have all endured something to get here. 00:06:39.000 --> 00:06:41.000 These experiences in some way or 00:06:41.000 --> 00:06:43.000 another have made us who we are today. 00:06:43.000 --> 00:06:45.000 They are our roots. 00:06:45.000 --> 00:06:47.000 Within our roots we can find endurance, 00:06:47.000 --> 00:06:49.000 perseverance, growth, 00:06:49.000 --> 00:06:51.000 and resilience and there's beauty in that. 00:06:51.000 --> 00:06:53.000 For me, my roots are planted in Washington, 00:06:53.000 --> 00:06:55.000 Oregon, and Guadalajara. 00:06:55.000 --> 00:06:58.000 My roots are in being raised in a low-income household. 00:06:58.000 --> 00:06:60.000 In being a daughter of immigrants. 00:07:00.000 --> 00:07:02.000 They're what have made me who I am today. 00:07:02.000 --> 00:07:05.000 As we transition into this next phase of our lives, 00:07:05.000 --> 00:07:08.000 it is important that we carry these experiences with us. 00:07:08.000 --> 00:07:09.000 Whether for you that means letting 00:07:09.000 --> 00:07:11.000 go or learning to embrace. 00:07:11.000 --> 00:07:13.000 It is not necessarily the memories you 00:07:13.000 --> 00:07:15.000 must carry, but the lessons. 00:07:15.000 --> 00:07:17.000 What have you learned about yourself? 00:07:17.000 --> 00:07:19.000 About the way you view the world? 00:07:19.000 --> 00:07:20.000 About how you approach life? 00:07:20.000 --> 00:07:22.000 What lessons are you taking with you? 00:07:22.000 --> 00:07:25.000 What lessons are you leaving behind? 00:07:25.000 --> 00:07:27.000 Contrary to what we might think, 00:07:27.000 --> 00:07:29.000 we each hold so much individual knowledge 00:07:29.000 --> 00:07:30.000 and strength already. 00:07:30.000 --> 00:07:32.000 I've learned about my individual 00:07:32.000 --> 00:07:34.000 strength through my own roots. 00:07:34.000 --> 00:07:35.000 As a daughter of immigrants, 00:07:35.000 --> 00:07:37.000 education is something that has always 00:07:37.000 --> 00:07:39.000 been extremely important to me. 00:07:39.000 --> 00:07:42.000 Though initially, my definition of success and achieving 00:07:42.000 --> 00:07:43.000 this goal looked like 00:07:43.000 --> 00:07:46.000 assimilating to the culture around me. 00:07:46.000 --> 00:07:48.000 I have learned that achieving success actually looks like 00:07:48.000 --> 00:07:50.000 building community and learning 00:07:50.000 --> 00:07:52.000 to embrace my cultural identity. 00:07:52.000 --> 00:07:55.000 Ultimately, I've learned more from leaning into my roots 00:07:55.000 --> 00:07:57.000 than I would have by growing away from them. 00:07:57.000 --> 00:07:59.000 and in doing so, 00:07:59.000 --> 00:07:62.000 I've been able to cultivate my own new roots. 00:08:02.000 --> 00:08:04.000 I no longer go out of my way to use 00:08:04.000 --> 00:08:07.000 fancy words or try to prove that I am capable, rather, 00:08:07.000 --> 00:08:10.000 I find myself speaking from the heart more and 00:08:10.000 --> 00:08:13.000 having comfort in simply knowing that I am capable. 00:08:13.000 --> 00:08:15.000 Finding my voice as a Latina, 00:08:15.000 --> 00:08:17.000 as a leader, has been one of 00:08:17.000 --> 00:08:20.000 the greatest lessons I've learned during my time at WOU, 00:08:20.000 --> 00:08:22.000 and I'm choosing to take that with me. 00:08:22.000 --> 00:08:25.000 If you're like me, life after graduation is 00:08:25.000 --> 00:08:26.000 slightly terrifying because it is 00:08:26.000 --> 00:08:28.000 filled with so much uncertainty. 00:08:28.000 --> 00:08:30.000 For many of us, this is the first time in 00:08:30.000 --> 00:08:33.000 four years where we don't know what's next. 00:08:33.000 --> 00:08:35.000 And although we may not know what the future has in store 00:08:35.000 --> 00:08:37.000 for us or what our future lessons might be, 00:08:37.000 --> 00:08:40.000 one thing we do know right now is what we know. 00:08:40.000 --> 00:08:42.000 We know who we are. 00:08:42.000 --> 00:08:43.000 We know what we've been through. 00:08:43.000 --> 00:08:46.000 We know the lessons we have learned along the way, 00:08:46.000 --> 00:08:49.000 and we can use this in whatever way we choose to, 00:08:49.000 --> 00:08:51.000 to shape our future and to guide us. 00:08:51.000 --> 00:08:54.000 The world is scary, but we have already proven 00:08:54.000 --> 00:08:56.000 our resilience and strength 00:08:56.000 --> 00:08:58.000 through the ways we have taken our old roots, 00:08:58.000 --> 00:08:62.000 created new ones, and used them to cultivate our growth. 00:09:02.000 --> 00:09:05.000 But of course, the growth doesn't stop here. 00:09:05.000 --> 00:09:06.000 As we take on the world, 00:09:06.000 --> 00:09:09.000 there will inevitably be more challenges, 00:09:09.000 --> 00:09:12.000 more obstacles, but also more endurance, 00:09:12.000 --> 00:09:15.000 more perseverance, more growth, and more lessons. 00:09:15.000 --> 00:09:18.000 So class of 2023, 00:09:18.000 --> 00:09:21.000 let us continue to plant seeds and bloom wherever we 00:09:21.000 --> 00:09:24.000 may find ourselves as we navigate our futures. 00:09:24.000 --> 00:09:26.000 Thank you and once again, congratulations. 00:09:26.000 --> 00:09:28.000 Felicidades. 00:09:28.000 --> 00:09:34.000 Music 00:09:34.000 --> 00:09:38.000 Hola members of the Board, President Peters, 00:09:38.000 --> 00:09:40.000 Dean Docherty, faculty staff, 00:09:40.000 --> 00:09:42.000 families, guests, and fellow graduates. 00:09:42.000 --> 00:09:45.000 My name is Pamela Morigeau, 00:09:45.000 --> 00:09:46.000 and I am a graduate of 00:09:46.000 --> 00:09:50.000 the 2023 OHSU nursing class here at 00:09:50.000 --> 00:09:52.000 the Western Oregon University campus. 00:09:52.000 --> 00:09:54.000 My birth country is Columbia, 00:09:54.000 --> 00:09:57.000 a nation where people work very hard, 00:09:57.000 --> 00:09:59.000 but opportunities are scarce. 00:09:59.000 --> 00:09:62.000 I got my first job when I was 15 years old, 00:10:02.000 --> 00:10:06.000 and ever since, I have helped support my family. 00:10:06.000 --> 00:10:09.000 With no education I knew that I wasn't going to go far. 00:10:09.000 --> 00:10:12.000 So I made the best decision of my life, 00:10:12.000 --> 00:10:14.000 I started to learn English. 00:10:14.000 --> 00:10:16.000 I learned enough to land a job 00:10:16.000 --> 00:10:18.000 as a teacher assistant in Doha, Qatar. 00:10:18.000 --> 00:10:21.000 That's how at 21 years old, 00:10:21.000 --> 00:10:22.000 I had to leave my country, 00:10:22.000 --> 00:10:24.000 my family, and my friends 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:27.000 behind to seek better opportunities. 00:10:27.000 --> 00:10:30.000 However, a piece of me will forever remain there. 00:10:30.000 --> 00:10:34.000 Seven years later, I migrated to the United States. 00:10:34.000 --> 00:10:36.000 I arrived here with one suitcase. 00:10:36.000 --> 00:10:39.000 For years, I contemplated getting an education, 00:10:39.000 --> 00:10:41.000 but I kept letting the mental blocks 00:10:41.000 --> 00:10:43.000 we impose on ourselves stop me. 00:10:43.000 --> 00:10:46.000 I told myself I can't afford college, 00:10:46.000 --> 00:10:47.000 the time isn't right, 00:10:47.000 --> 00:10:48.000 I am not good at math, 00:10:48.000 --> 00:10:50.000 and finally, I am too old. 00:10:50.000 --> 00:10:53.000 When I turned 33, I asked myself, 00:10:53.000 --> 00:10:55.000 if tomorrow were to be my last day 00:10:55.000 --> 00:10:56.000 what would I regret? 00:10:56.000 --> 00:10:59.000 The next day I enrolled in community college. 00:10:59.000 --> 00:10:61.000 I started with Math 60. 00:11:01.000 --> 00:11:03.000 One day the teacher said 00:11:03.000 --> 00:11:05.000 constants to the right and variables to the left. 00:11:05.000 --> 00:11:07.000 I made a column with numbers on the right, 00:11:08.000 --> 00:11:10.000 and another column with letters on the left, 00:11:10.000 --> 00:11:12.000 and I stared at that page. 00:11:12.000 --> 00:11:14.000 I had to dedicate many hours to 00:11:14.000 --> 00:11:16.000 build my skills, but I didn't give up. 00:11:16.000 --> 00:11:18.000 I kept fighting back against 00:11:18.000 --> 00:11:20.000 all the barriers that hindered me. 00:11:20.000 --> 00:11:22.000 And today, six years later, 00:11:22.000 --> 00:11:24.000 I am standing in front of you to 00:11:24.000 --> 00:11:26.000 show you that we can overcome 00:11:26.000 --> 00:11:27.000 that voice that prevents 00:11:27.000 --> 00:11:29.000 us from achieving our full potential. 00:11:29.000 --> 00:11:31.000 For those immigrants like me, 00:11:31.000 --> 00:11:34.000 who leave all behind to look for opportunities 00:11:34.000 --> 00:11:36.000 to improve the lives of those we love, 00:11:36.000 --> 00:11:38.000 I want to tell you that it's never 00:11:38.000 --> 00:11:41.000 impossible or too late to achieve your dreams. 00:11:41.000 --> 00:11:43.000 And to everyone, I want to say, 00:11:43.000 --> 00:11:46.000 do not let the voice control your destiny. 00:11:46.000 --> 00:11:48.000 Thank you. 00:11:48.000 --> 00:11:56.000 music