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 afternoon, everyone.

Today is the day we have been waiting for. While bittersweet, take in this moment and savor your emotions. This is what we’ve been working towards.

Throughout our time at UMass Amherst, we have been given the tools to achieve greatness. Being a journalist means taking this drive and committing to the public through unbiased reporting. Through our classes, we learned how to report, but most importantly, we learned how to become storytellers.

Telling a story is essential to what journalism is; it provides richness and authenticity to our reporting. We tell stories by connecting with our sources, establishing trust and relationships with them. Storytelling allows us to become empathetic, patient, and diligent. Making voices heard is how we ignite change. Journalists have the ability to challenge power, and empower others to speak their beliefs. We foster relationships in our communities and bring a sense of humanity into a world that seems to have lost it.

Use what you learned for good. Be the voice of change. Tell the story.