Into the unknown
CMU class of 2024 graduates walk the stage, look ahead
As graduates filed into McGuirk Arena Saturday morning for the first of two commencement ceremonies that would take place that day, they matched not only in caps and gowns, but also in nervous energy.
For many, the next step is still undecided. But that's OK, according to student speaker Emmirsyn Stacy.
Uncertainty and courage were central themes for her message to her fellow graduates.
"I want you to remember that uncertainty is not something to fear, but something to embrace," she said. "Confidence means having trust in yourself to overcome obstacles and face the unknown."
Stacy encouraged graduates to see uncertainty as an opportunity, instead of a source of anxiety.
Jenna Clark, who now has a bachelor's degree in urban planning said looking for a job and figuring out what comes next can feel scary.
"I'm looking forward to the next stage, but I'm also nervous," she said.
President Neil MacKinnon asked, among other things, that the graduates embrace change.
"If you are feeling apprehensive, uncertain or even worried, I'm here to tell you that's normal," he said. MacKinnon gave graduates three messages for the next step in their lives:
- Embrace change
- Be persistent
- Add value
But this isn't the first big life change for Careshia Larmond, who now has a Masters in Business Administration.
Before coming to Central Michigan University, Larmond came to the United States from Jamaica, and served in the U.S. Navy.
For her degree, she said, "It took me one year of nonstop classes while moving across the country from Nevada to Maryland."
During that year, she said she was completing three to four classes every eight weeks.
"The program is one of the most prestigious programs I've gone through," she said. "You make time for what you want."
3 p.m. - College of Arts and Media, Liberal Arts and Social Sociences and Health Professions
For Sarah Kerr, who graduated with a master’s degree in special education, time at CMU has been about career advancements and connections that she made with friends.
But Kerr was also excited to share the achievement with her family.
“I like to say this degree isn't just mine,” Kerr said. “I have two little girls at home, and so this is all of ours.”
Kim Dewey also had her kids and parents supporting her as she received her master’s degree in health administration.
“I'm a single mother, and I have three kids … so it's been challenging to try to balance a full-time job … and then to get my degree as well,” she said. “(The) most challenging is finding the time and still sleeping at night.”
But with this well-earned degree, Dewey said she wants to change the American healthcare system for the better.
“I'm exhausted, but it's been great,” Dewey said. “I worked really, really hard, and I'm very proud of myself.
“I have very idealistic ideas about what I want to do with our healthcare system, which is why I did this.”
At the afternoon ceremony, hundreds of parents, friends and supporters cheered and shouted out their graduates’ names. The bachelor’s, master‘s and doctoral graduates walked down the aisle, smiling and waving to their supporters.
MacKinnon congratulated the graduates on their degrees.
“Graduation from CMU is not easy,” MacKinnon said in his speech. “Your world is being shaken, your norms are being changed, and you are entering the next phase of your life.”
Paige Dillon graduated with a bachelor’s degree in an early childhood development. Dillon is ready to start a new phase of life as a lead teacher in the Child Development and Learning Labratory at CMU.
“It’s just closing the chapter in my undergraduate degree and moving forward into a career,” Dillon said.
MacKinnon also said he believes that CMU graduates will make a great impact in the world.
“You are equipped with knowledge, experiences and character that has been shaped by your time here at CMU,” he said. “You have the strength to adapt. You have resiliency to persevere, and you have the capacity to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Former Student Government Association President Tyler Zimmerman gave student remarks at the ceremony and shared stories of perseverance of students that he met on campus.
He also said this graduation was special for those who didn’t have ceremony in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taylor Ooten studied journalism. She said graduating today was special because she was one of the only two people from her high school class who finished college.
“To be honest, I didn't think I'd make it here,” Ooten said. “I'm a class of 2021, so with COVID, it was really a shock (to graduate) and so surreal.”
In his speech, Zimmerman advised students to take pride in what they have accomplished at CMU and continue their journey.
“While many see commencement as the end of college, it is, in fact, a beginning,” he said. “The word itself reminds us that this is the starting point, the first sentence, the next chapter of our lives. So I'll leave you with this question: What will you write?
“The world is waiting for your story.”
