After being awarded my Master’s Degree—over ten years and a whole lot of experience later—life had one more surprise for me: I was selected as the student commencement speaker.
On December 13th, I stood before my fellow graduates to share a message of resilience, support, and the courage to ask for help. It was a surreal, full-circle moment that I’ll carry with me forever.
For those who couldn’t be there, I’m sharing the full transcript of my speech below.
My hope is that it serves as a reminder that no matter how winding the path, every step forward matters.
“Today is a celebration not just of our academic achievements but of resilience, support, and bravery.
Now, being brave looks different for everyone: For some, maybe it’s overcoming a fear of public speaking. It could be shutting off the basement lights and not running at a full out sprint up the stairs. It could be getting your ears pierced. It could be saying you don’t want to get your ears pierced. Maybe it’s standing up for your principles, even when it’s unpopular. It’s defending a dissertation. It’s loving yourself fully as you are. It’s pursuing your education to better your life and the world we live in. It’s even eating raw cookie dough, because no one can stop me.
And sometimes being brave, is simply asking for help.
We’ve all put in years of hard work, late nights, and unwavering commitment to get here today.
For me, this moment has been over a decade in the making. And for those of you out there doing the math—yes, that’s a lot of years, and no, I’m still not a doctor.
Each of us graduates today with our own story of trials and triumphs. And if you’ll indulge me, I’d like to share mine.
I started my graduate studies back in 2010 when the Criminal Justice Master’s Program was brand new. I was full of hope and conviction, already working as a crime victim advocate. I knew that by educating myself as much as possible, I could better serve survivor populations. Like all of you, I worked hard, sacrificed many nights of sleep, and memorized every possible APA citation format.
But the following years presented challenges I never anticipated.
I’ve dedicated my life and career to advocating for victims, but as a violent crime survivor myself, the journey to this moment has been anything but easy. When I felt that all hope was lost, that my story was over, my family and friends were there to support me.
They encouraged me to do the bravest thing of all—to ask for help.
So I did.
I shared my story, and The University of Northern Colorado advocated for me—the same way I’ve spent my life doing for others. They reminded me that no matter the challenges we face, we all have the right to pursue our education without fear or barriers. That’s why, when a recent expansion of Title IX protections opened doors I thought were closed forever, it changed everything. My story was not over, it was just a new chapter. And I wasn’t writing it alone.
Tonight, I have the honor of joining all of you here to finally receive the degree I earned so many years ago. For what a wild privilege it is to become the person you needed when you were younger. My husband, my parents, my children, my support system, who lifted me up when I doubted this was ever possible are out in these stands, among your family and friends that likely supported you in immense ways, too. I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for encouraging us, for loving us, and for believing in us.
As we cross this stage and have our degrees conferred, let’s pause to fully immerse ourselves in the joyous celebration of our accomplishments. Whether this journey took you two years, ten years, or a lifetime, I hope you all carry your story proudly.
What we’ve learned in the classroom is just part of our education. Life, too, continuously teaches us—through its trials, the people we meet, and the challenges we face. And each day, we wake up and make the choice to keep learning.
That, my fellow graduates, is brave.
Thank you, and congratulations Class of Two Thousand Twenty-Four. We did it!”
