May 22, 2023 |
The 2023 AHS Convocation took place on Sunday, May 14, at the State Farm Center
Dean Cheryl Hanley-Maxwell delivered her remarks:
I’m Cheryl Hanley-Maxwell, Dean of the College of Applied Health Sciences and three-time graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
There are so many great events in the college, but this has to be my favorite. Not only does it make me nostalgic about my own graduations—were they really that long ago? It also fills my heart with joy and pride, and, yes, it makes me a little overcome with emotion to look upon these graduates, knowing that AHS helped them to develop into the outstanding individuals they are today, well-prepared to go out and make a difference in this world.
I know that wherever your journey takes you from here—to jobs, graduate studies, post-doctoral fellowships, or a time of exploring the possibilities—you take with you a solid foundation on which to continue building.
You take values that have been reinforced through coursework, research experiences, and community involvement—respect for all peoples and cultures and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
You take a firmly-held belief in the mission of the college: to promote individual and community health throughout the lifespan, to facilitate optimal living with disability, and to foster the development of livable communities in a diverse society.
But let’s be real. You’re not thinking of any of that today.
• You’re thinking about all the great friends you’ve made here.
• You’re looking around the State Farm Center and remembering events you’ve attended here.
• You’re thinking about what you’re going to do after the ceremony.
• You’re feeling a myriad of emotions, and maybe your head is swimming and you can’t focus on anything!
I recall from my own graduation ceremonies that rush of feelings—excitement, a little nervousness about the next step, pride, a little sadness about moving on, but mostly just gratitude and happiness and thank the stars, I made it!
It’s a bittersweet moment. I think the psychological concept of reframing can come in handy at times like these.
You’re not losing friends as you all go your separate ways.
You’re gaining a whole lot of people to visit across the country, possibly around the world, while you’re also making new friends in your new life.
You’re not leaving a safety net of faculty and staff colleagues and mentors who offered sage advice when you needed it and supported you throughout your studies.
You’re expanding your professional network of people who will always enjoy hearing from you, finding out what’s new in your life, and, yes, offering sage advice when you need it.
Being amazed by what you’re learning, from people you respect and admire, doesn’t end here. You have a whole lifetime of being amazed ahead of you. Just be open to it.
Look ahead to a bright future. Take advantage of every opportunity life offers to grow, to learn, to help, and to have fun. Take life seriously, but remember that it’s the only one we have, as far as we know, and time goes by quickly.
It sounds cliché, but live in the moment, and see even challenging times as chances to learn something new, something valuable.
Of course, I wish you all the best. Stay in touch and stay involved, if you can. One of the college’s greatest strengths is a strong and active group of alumni. Which you will soon be!
Share on social
