Senior Speaker: Communication

A message from the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences:

Each year, our graduating students in every major select a student to speak on behalf of their area of study. Because we are a large college, the time allotted to our ceremony does not allow for each speaker to appear on stage. However, these speeches have been recorded for your viewing pleasure. 

At its core, our College supports open and free inquiry and debate about the most weighty and consequential subjects that face us all. Each student was given a minute to speak on whatever topic they think will be meaningful to their peers. Some of the contributions are lighthearted, others are serious, and some may inspire some people and conflict with the values and beliefs of others. But that is the nature of free inquiry and debate: it should challenge us and make us think. We are proud of every one of our graduates, whether or not we agree with the views they express here. 

Transcript:

Good evening Class of 2025! We are here together, celebrating a journey that has
shaped us in ways we never could have imagined when we first stepped onto this campus. I am truly honored to represent such an incredible, passionate, and driven group of individuals.

First, I want to congratulate each and every one of you. This journey hasn’t been easy, but we made it, through late-night study sessions, running to catch the bus to class, surviving dreaded 8 am lectures, and of course, the occasional “What can you do with a Communication degree?” conversation.

But we know the answer. Our major has given us the power to analyze, create, and connect in ways that shape the world we live in. We’ve explored film, politics, gender studies, digital media, culture, and technology. We’ve learned that communication isn’t just about talking, it's about listening, storytelling, making an impact, and truly understanding one another.

While we can communicate through speaking, writing, and nearly every social platform,
our greatest strength lies in our ability to build genuine and profound connections. This is what will set us apart as we start the next chapter of our journeys.

Beyond the lectures and coursework, some of the most impactful lessons we've learned
have come from one another. We've formed lasting friendships, and developed into critical thinkers with a strong work ethic. And as we step forward into the world, we take these skills with us to innovate, to challenge, and to inspire. No matter where we go, one thing is certain, we are prepared not only to make our voices heard, but to listen, and these moments are what truly define our time here.

To our professors, advisors, families, and friends, thank you from the bottom of our
hearts. Your support, guidance, and belief in us have made this journey possible. We couldn’t have done it without you. And on a personal note, I want to thank my parents. Mamá y Papá, gracias por cada sacrificio, por cada sueño que pusieron en pausa para que yo pudiera alcanzar los míos. Lo hice por ustedes. Everything I am today is because of your love, resilience, and unwavering support.

To my fellow graduates, this may feel like the end, but it’s truly just the beginning. The world is full of possibilities, and our time to shine is now. Let’s step forward with courage, compasion, and purpose. No matter where life takes us, we will always carry the lessons and memories we've made here at Umass.

Congratulations, Class of 2025!