Commencement 2014 Student Speech Quotes

"All 8 of these speeches were terrific and if we had more time I know you would have enjoyed listening to them as much as I did. But we’re short on time so I’m just going to ask each one to stand while I read a quote from their speeches.

Alec Donahue - There is this pervasive idea that I should be able to give a speech and everyone here should be able to absorb some capital T Truth through osmosis, but that can’t and won’t happen. Events are interpreted by people based on the lens through which they view the world and how they habitually assign meaning from experience. This is not hardwired at birth; but rather chiseled and shaped over the years.

Alejandro Goena - I believe that the most profound truth I have learned is the first one this institution chose to present to us. Jean Paul Sartre. We learned not just how to pronounce the name, but how to live by his profound insight. That there is not a prior right or wrong way to live one’s life, the ultimate affirmation of our agency and responsibility. There is no one and no institution that can tell you what you ought to do. You need to decide what matters in this world, and how you want to meet its challenges

Samantha Vega - implicit in our Stevensonian nature is our ability to be prepared even when we are unprepared. In other words, at Stevenson, we understand that sometimes there are circumstances for which we cannot be prepared. But more importantly, we know we are equipped to navigate in even the most challenging cases of uncertainty.

Neiloofar Sajedi - As Stevenson students, we have come to learn about and understand the importance of the self in society. We’ve learned that while the self is a part of society and can be shaped by society, the self also has the power to change society. 

Jenn Gerosa - as we continue, let’s not do so in fear, isolation, and anxiety, but instead with the same wonder, thirst for experience, hunger for connection, and sense of possibility that we came to our community with.

Zoe Mackay – I have the utmost confidence in this graduating class because what is special about us all is that we are not only dedicated to bettering our own lives, but those of everyone around us. While we will all take on this task in our own ways, the community that we have experienced here has prepared us for this united effort.

David Pickard IV - It is now the moment to turn the page and begin on the next chapter, even though we may have no idea what it entails. It can be painfully scary and quite intimidating, yet at the same time, overwhelmingly exhilarating. Continue being you…act weird, step out of your comfort zone, and always perform charitably to those who may be less fortunate.

Hillary Hoffman - I refuse to let college be the best years of my life. Why settle now?  This is our chance to finally do whatever we want to do. There is no right or wrong decision. We are free to be and do whatever our hearts desire. What will you be? Doctor, teacher, writer, scientist, park ranger, magician?  This is our chance to take a risk. So do it! Stevenson Graduating Class of 2014: this isn’t our peak, this is just the beginning.

Eloquent words from amazing students who reflect just how inspiring this entire class is!"