Faculty & Staff Resources
Things of Interest
Brown Bag Series

College of Education and Human Services
Undergraduate Commencement Student Speaker
4:00 pm - Friday, May 8, 2009

Danielle Moore
Curriculum and Instruction

On behalf of this graduating class, I would like to thank all of you for sharing this important event with us.  Today is one of the most significant and life changing days of our lives.

When I was approached about speaking in front of my graduating class, needless to say, I was nervous.  I don’t have any wise words, hopeful comments, or important proverbs to bestow upon you.  All I have is a quote from the author who has greatly influenced my thinking.

In his book Oh, the Places You Will Go, Dr. Seuss shares these inspirational words: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own and you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go.”  Although Dr. Seuss is considered to be a children’s author, he has words of wisdom that work for adults as well.

“You have brains in your head…”  We have all proven that we have brains in our heads.  During our time here at Southern Illinois University, we have been pushed to our limits in our studies.  We were expected to achieve greatness, and by sitting here today, we have shown that we are more than capable of exceeding those expectations.  Now, our brains and education will be put to the test.  Trust yourself more often.  We have been taught what we need to know.  You may be scared to realize that you control your life.  However, you are stronger than you think and you know a lot.  Give credit where credit is due.

“You have feet in your shoes.  You can steer yourself in any direction you choose…”  Have you ever worn shoes that were a few sizes too small?  It’s painful.  Following a path set out for you by someone else can be equally as excruciating.  At this time in our lives, we need to determine if we are walking someone else’s path or trying to wear shoes that don’t fit us.  Choosing our own direction may be the hardest job ahead of us.  What do you really want for yourself?  Take a second, right now, and begin to realize your future.  Close your eyes and imagine yourself ten years down the road.  Forget what your parents, friends, and relatives expect of you.  Concentrate on what you want.  Now visualize how you will get there.  That is your path.

Now for the lines that terrify me, “You’re on your own and you know what you know.”  Personally, I have grown so much through my time here.  Each of us have changed and become better people through our struggles and successes.  Now it is time that we go on and take charge of our lives.  As we leave the SIU experience, we must take responsibility for our circumstances.  Not only do we need to be aware that we make the choices that influence our lives, but we also should remain accountable for our actions.

“You are the guy who will decide where to go.”  I hope that each one of you realize that you have all of the necessary equipment to pave your own path and to decide where you will go.  I am so proud of all of us.  We have proven that we have the drive and determination to achieve anything.  By using your head and being true to yourself, there is no limitation to all of the places you will go.  Thank you.