Senior Speaker: SBS RISE

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, family, friends, professors—and the Class of 2025.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day. First things first, congratulations to my fellow classmates! We made it! Isn’t it crazy to think that in August 2021, many of us sat in this very room for Freshman Convocation, unsure of what college would look like for us. We were just trying to find our footing, hoping we’d eventually figure it all out. And now, nearly four years later, we return to this same space—no longer the same people. Tonight, we leave these doors not just with degrees, but with growth, perspective, and the kind of strength that only comes from making it through.

And I’ve got to say, it feels good to be here in the evening, doesn’t it? No alarms, no 8 AM lectures where we’re half-asleep. Just a nice, relaxing evening with all of you… I think we’ve earned this moment.

I’m Adinson Rios, and I’m speaking on behalf of SBS Rise. Over the past few years, I’ve had the chance to reflect on how far I’ve come. When I first stepped onto campus, I felt out of place—like I had to prove I belonged. Coming from an inner-city background, everything here was unfamiliar, and it sometimes felt like I was trying to earn my right to be in every room.

That’s when the fog began to clear.

College isn’t just about getting the best grades or having the most decorated resume, it’s about becoming more of who you already were underneath the fear. And real growth happens in the quiet moments: the hard conversations, the late-night study sessions, the little wins no one claps for but you know they mattered.

For me, RISE was a space where I found that reflection and support. As a mentor, I helped students adjust to this new world—and in doing that, I helped myself too. But even if you weren’t in RISE, I know you had your own version. A community. A friend. A professor. Someone who reminded you: You’re not alone.

Some of us have jobs lined up. Some don’t. Some of us feel ready. Others? Not even close. But the truth is—it’s okay. We all keep going, despite the silent battles we fight within ourselves.

We walked in here unsure of who we’d become. We leave knowing we’re allowed to take up space, speak up, and move through the world without apology.

Congratulations, Class of 2025. Walk with pride and dignity and remember, you belong in every room you enter.

Thank you.