Graduation Keynote Address
Good afternoon students, faculty, family, and friends. Thank you all for being here today to celebrate the 2020 graduation of Hunter Business School.
Journey Through Hunter
After being inducted into the National Technical Honor Society last week, I asked if I could make a short speech about my journey through Hunter.
I would first like to thank some of the amazing staff here at Hunter.
- Marc Herschmann, who introduced me to this incredible program last July and managed to get me the last spot available.
- Mr. Fetter, thank you for the technical skills you taught me, as well as some life skills, and for always keeping us laughing throughout.
- Mr. Bove, you may be new to Hunter, but I know you will be here for many years to come. Your fun style and expansive knowledge always led to great conversations and lots of laughs.
- Mr. Fund, you take a special interest in your students and faculty and always made me feel like part of the Hunter family. You are a great listener and an even better leader. Free breakfast isn’t bad, either.
- Last but not least, Dr. Blanchard, who pulled me aside on my tour and gave me inspirational words I will carry with me forever. Thank you!
I would like to dedicate this graduation to my cousin, Pierce, who passed away in September from brain cancer.
A Clean Start With a Real Direction
There’s an old saying, “It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish!” Less than one year ago, I was a lost kid with little direction in my life. I thought school was not a place I could ever thrive, no less enjoy…immensely.
Hunter has given me a clean start, a real direction, and the hopes for a bigger and brighter future. Thanks to Hunter, I am one step closer to my dream of a career in cybersecurity.
Lifelong Friends and Family
Most importantly, Hunter has introduced me to some lifelong friends and colleagues. Juan and Marson, you two have a fantastic future ahead of you, and I can’t wait to see you both succeed.
Lastly, I’d like to thank my entire family for the unwavering support over the last year. Mom and Dad, Farah and Amanda, I could not ask for a better family. You always have my back and support me in all of my adventures. You listen to my crazy stories, you pick me up when I’m done, and for that, thank you so much.
Mom, thank you for always believing in me, even when most would have just given up. Thank you, Dad, for years of laughs, kicks, and great adventures. I cannot wait to have many more stories to tell.
I would also like to give a quick thank you to my best friend, Dan. Dan always strived to see the best in me, even when I struggled to. He has been the biggest inspiration to me and has helped me reach this point and continues to push me to help reach all my future goals.
Dedicate This Graduation to My Cousin
I would like to dedicate this graduation to my cousin, Pierce, who passed away in September from brain cancer.
When I was lost, sad, and felt like I had no direction, he always had my back. He let me know how much he believed in me. He told me to strive for the top and to work hard for what I want. He told me to aim for National Tech and never look back. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Our Continuing Journey in Life
To all my fellow graduates, good luck on your continuing journey in life. I know you are all destined for greatness. Here’s to all of our futures!