#dontinterrupttheprocess

Good Evening, 

It is such an honor to be here celebrating with my fellow Kozminski Graduates. We did not make it here on our own, so another round of applause to those who have helped us get to where we are today; Administrators, parents, family and friends.

And of course, another round of applause for the amazing and talented class of 2018.

14 years ago, I remember being where you are right now feeling so many different emotions.

I remember feeling excited because it was MY day. I went 8 years of my life walking the halls of Kozminksi and it was finally ending. That was a bittersweet moment but still, very exciting. Any of you feeling excited.

I remember feeling nervous because the next chapter was high school. I was the only one from my class going to Morgan Park so that meant I had to start over and go through the process of making new friends...again. The idea was very scary and every time I thought about it, I became really nervous. Any of you feeling nervous?

I remember feeling angry because a few loved ones did not make it to my graduation. I sat in my seat with my graduation gown and hat on, looking around to see who was there. I had others there to celebrate me but the people who I wanted to really be there, were not there. Any of you feeling angry?

I remember feeling sad because I was not going to be able to see my friends or my teachers everyday anymore. These were the individuals I built great relationships with and constantly went to for advice. Any of you feel sad.

14 years ago, I remember being where you are right now, feeling excited, nervous, angry and sad all at the same time.

Now I’ve noticed that most of you raised your hand at least once, which is great. Allowing ourselves to truly experience our emotions is a beautiful thing and is the first step towards becoming a well-rounded and emotionally intelligent person.

I’ll repeat that: Allowing ourselves to truly experience our emotions is a beautiful thing and is the first step towards becoming a well-rounded and emotionally intelligent person.

In a few months, you all will be high school scholars. And after that, you will be college scholars. After that, full-time working adults. And yes, the time will go by just as fast as the Warriors beat the Cavaliers.

Throughout those years, you will experience a lot of new emotions. And they may or may not stick around. You may fail a test. You may find out someone doesn't like you. You may trip and fall in front of a bunch of people. You may not fit in with the “in” crowd. People will show you fake love and you might even get your heart broken.

When you go through this journey called life, certain situations spark certain emotions. Emotions that will make you feel weak. Emotions that will make you feel strong. Emotions that will make you cry. Emotions that will have your heart pounding so hard and so fast that it will literally feel like it’s going to pop out. It WILL be painful. But you WILL get through it because you are growing. You are growing stronger. You are growing wiser.

They call it Growing Pains.

Don’t interrupt the process.

See, when you go through this journey called life, certain situations spark certain emotions. Emotions that will make you feel really angry. Emotions that will make you feel confused. Emotions that will make you feel like you can’t do it anymore. And you may feel like giving up. It WILL be challenging. But you WILL get through it because you are growing. Growing stronger AND growing wiser.

Don’t interrupt the process.

Whatever challenges arise, whatever emotions you may feel, the good, the bad, you must know, understand, and remember that you are in control. Even during the times when you feel you are not in control, it is okay to ask for help. I am almost 30 and I still ask for help. I’ll call my mom, or my bff, or my mentor. And in the event that they don’t answer, I will pray, meditate and allow myself to experience my emotions.

It’s part of the journey.

So don’t interrupt the process.

You all are so beautiful and so smart. I know for a fact that in this building we have the future president of the United States, the future CEO of a fortune 500 company, the future MVP of the NBA, future scientists, doctors, lawyers, journalists, the list goes on.

There is so much talent in this room and I want you all to know you matter.

I want you all to know that you belong.

Remember I mentioned earlier that I was not afraid to ask for help. I need the graduates help. Can I get you all’s help?

I want you to say these words and I want you to say them like you mean them.

Say “I matter”.

Say “I Belong”.

You all are the future. Whatever you want to do, whatever your passion is, strive for it and do it. 14 years ago, if someone would have told me I was going to be a published author, I would have not believed them. 10 years ago, if someone told me I was going to be the first person in my family to graduate from college, I would have not believed them. 6 years ago, if someone told me I would be a DJ, I would have not believed them. And if someone told me 2 years ago that I would be in front of Kozminski’s graduating class delivering the keynote address, I would have not have believed them. And I say that to remind you, and myself, that the world is filled with endless opportunities.

So don’t interrupt the process.

My favorite poet Maya Angelou once said, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, and how you can still come out of it.”

In closing, I challenge you all to take everything you’ve learned from every experience, every conversation, and every emotion with you into high school and make the best of it. Is it going to be easy? No. Will it happen overnight. No. But it will happen and I want for you all to trust your journey and embrace your growth. Whether it be in school, at work, or just becoming a better person in life, always, always, always remember to trust your journey and embrace your growth.

Class of 2018, You are the future. You matter. You belong. And we need you. Each and everyone of you have the world at your fingertips. Live, make mistakes, learn, and never be afraid to go after what you want.

I am sure I can speak for everyone in this room when I say I am so very proud of you. And I love you.

Class of 2018, Congratulations.