Shannon Bursey ’22 Addresses Her Fellow Graduates at 2022 Commencement
The student speaker recited a poem that she wrote in lieu of a traditional speech.
Class of 2022
Wow, where do I start?
I mean, we’ve had a totally normal four years of college, right?
Yeah- definitely not.
Hard to believe just four years ago
We were freshmen
Exploring this new campus
And getting totally lost at orientation
Especially if like me
You had to hike from the Sem to Duffy
But with some maps and practice
It certainly wasn’t long
Before the Hill became home
And bleeding purple, we were off on our own
Residents forming relationships with roommates in dorms
Commuters coming to campus impacting clubs and classes
Undergraduates undergoing unique university lessons
Graduates gaining growing knowledge in a greater grade
From bright scholars
Excelling on the page
To performing thespians
Lighting up the stage
From sports champions
Showing teamwork and unity
To kind volunteers
Giving back to the community
All of us found a place
To make a difference
To make new friends
To form lifelong connections
Then in a flash connecting got much harder
An unknown virus spread like wildfire
The world in suspense, trying to survive
Our campus deserted, forced to go online
It felt like the days had blurred into one
As we fought our battles staying at home
Each Zoom started with great to “see” your face
Each email ended with hope you’re staying healthy and safe
Embraced this new normality
Took on new responsibilities
Fought for justice for minorities
Kept pushing despite tragedies
Took care of our family
Amidst global uncertainty
Stay six feet apart
Play your part
Wear a mask
Stay on task
21? Take a shot
Vaccine? Get a shot
Whoa!
"Spread your wings and fly."
"Be the change you wish to see."
"The best is yet to come."
I know it felt fast and not always easy
Too often the news says nothing pleasing
It’s a fact: life can be messy and insane
But we’ve got heart, and we’ve got brain
And a Skyhawk promise to make the world a better place
And against all odds, we made it through
Sitting here today, this is proof that
We are adaptable
We are brilliant
We are creative
We are resilient
Skyhawks unstoppable
Overcome any obstacle
Make the impossible possible
No bridge is uncrossable
We are students in action
Leading with passion
Already impacting
This place that we live in
Believe me, it’s true
Look how much you grew
There’s no limitation
On what you can do
And in this community
It’s never just you
Many thanks to the faculty
You give us so much more than lessons
You give us pieces of yourself
Your knowledge, your experiences, your passions
Day in and day out
You’re the reason we stay engaged and hopeful
You not only teach, but you inspire
And for that, we are all so grateful
Thanks to all the parents and families for encouraging us
To stay sane, even when things got rough,
To work hard, even if the work was tough,
To laugh and to love, because you can never have enough
People always say college flies by before you know it
So thank you Stonehill, for giving us the opportunity to make the most of it
Whether you look to the future with a clear plan
Or are still trying to figure out exactly where you stand
I wish you all the best
Happiness and success, lux et spes
Here’s to yesterday’s memories, today’s celebration, and tomorrow’s dreams come true.
Congratulations Class of 2022!