Tanya Irvin
Commencement 2024: Inspiring words from our Student Speaker
Hello, fellow peers, friends, family, faculty, and advocates. I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and accomplishment. I am proud to be standing here as a soon-to-be graduate of Sonoma State University with a master’s degree in Education, specializing in Special Education.
This will be my third MA degree at SSU – and, I promise, my last.
Throughout my time here, the support and dedication of the Disability Services staff have been nothing short of amazing. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and for handling every request, every need, without question or complaint.
To my fellow graduates, I want to say this: our journey through academia is not just a story of survival—it's a narrative of thriving against odds that were never in our favor. We've faced adversity, yes, but we've met it with resilience and determination because the pursuit of our dreams is worth every challenge. Our presence here is a testament to our grit, and our degrees are badges of honor, showcasing our capability to conquer the barriers before us.
We are not here to inspire by merely existing; we are here to show that we, too, have dreams, aspirations, and the drive to achieve them. We are not seeking admiration for our struggles but acknowledgment of our achievements and the opportunities we deserve as equals in every arena.
Let us embrace our differences—not as signs of limitation but as sources of strength. We are not broken; indeed, we are breaking free from the stereotypes that seek to define us. Every day, we prove that we are more than our disabilities; we are creators of our destiny, shapers of our future.
As we move forward, let us carry the spirit of today with us. Let this not be the end of our advocacy for ourselves and for each other. Let us continue to strive, to dream, and to succeed. Let us walk out of here not just as graduates, but as pioneers ready to make our mark on the world, proudly and unapologetically.
Congratulations to you all. We did it!