Commencement Speech by Alexandra Cami

Alexandra Cami, Graduate Student Representative

» Watch a video of the speech

I would like to welcome President Scott, the Adelphi University Board of Trustees, Provost Insler, faculty, parents, and last but not least, the class of 2015. We did it!

Congratulations to you all, class of 2015! I know all of us have spent many sleepless nights writing papers, preparing for finals, and perfecting dissertations all to lead us to this very day. In the words of Winston Churchill, “Continuous effort-not strength or intelligence-is the key to unlocking our potential.” I believe that wholeheartedly and I know that this very moment in time has proven to us we can overcome hardship, put forth our very best effort, and truly evolve as individuals.

A defining part of my job as a student in the school psychology program at the Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, was to provide children and adolescents social-emotional support in schools. When dealing with particularly disheartening cases, you leave feeling as though you are in need of support as well. Throughout my three years in the program, I have felt supported and uplifted by each and every one of my professors.

What is special about Adelphi University is the tight-knit community formed by faculty and students, which you cannot help but feel while walking on campus or sitting in class. I realize now how difficult it will be to leave the very place we have nurtured our talents and pursued our dreams. I will deeply miss what it has meant being a graduate student at this university, but I know that myself and everyone here, will leave today ready to take on the world. Good luck and congratulations to you all.