I can’t say getting here was easy.

And after thinking about it, I can appreciate why it wasn’t. We are a small percentage of a large population and we have accomplished a valuable feat.

This reminds me of a story: I was sitting in a calc lecture, and my professor, Bob Busch, stopped teaching and started talking about engineers.

He said that everyone who attends college is buying themselves a ticket.

They come to school with a degree in sight and that degree becomes their ticket to their future.

As engineers, he professed, you are flying first class.

Right now our future looks exciting and golden, but it is important to note that it is our decisions that determine where this ticket will take us.

As engineering students, we have been bruised, beaten, and left bloody.

From chem. 107, where the average grade was a remarkable 37, to Thermodynamics... And enough said about thermo...

Frankly, many of the things you have worked so hard to learn over these past four years may never be needed again.

You most likely will never have to integrate another parametric equation in your life.

The point I am trying to make is--the root concept of our studies has taught how to correctly assess and solve problems.

Whether it’s optimizing your travel to arrive at your destination;

reconfiguring PVC piping to launch a potato into the air;

or figuring out how to align two dressers to make a sweet beer pong table--

we apply the skills we have acquired in everything we do.

On this day we are finally rewarded for all the endless nights we have spent in Bell Hall.

Preparing for the never-ending projects, presentations and exams.

Without a doubt, we have all received help along the way.

Thank you, to all the wonderful faculty and staff who have given us the knowledge to stand here today.

And, to our parents who have been there for us whenever we have needed them, there to listen, give advice or just give us a quick reality check.

I am sad to see my friends go but am happy to know that the next part of an exciting journey has just begun.

So, ladies and gentleman as you go out and take on the world, remember to hold onto your true self.

Remember to take breaks, don’t let your work consume you, have a personal life, and enjoy the things that make you want to go to work, as well as the things that make you want to leave.

There has to be a balance in order to maintain perspective.

I want to close by saying that I understand that we all have the capacity for greatness. All we need to do is take responsibility for our lives, set worthwhile goals, and take action.

We will be shown the next steps as our lives unfold.

Today’s achievements may eventually be forgotten but it is important for us to remember that for every forgotten accomplishment there will be opportunity for another to take its place.

Today... I am very proud of the person I have become and I hope all of you can say the same. It is the result of unselfish perseverance that we are so prepared to face the challenges and excitement that lie ahead in our tomorrow.