Find Your Mantra

Now, anyone who meets me will notice I wear a class ring. It says I graduated high school in 1982. I didn’t, but my mother did.

I wear this ring every day because it is how I stay close to her. My mother died when I was 6 years old after a strenuous and brave battle with breast cancer.

Even as she was receiving treatment miles away, she stayed connected to me through phone calls, letters, and tape recordings.

Her death left a hole in my heart that I don’t think will ever heal.

However, these precious moments are ones I treasure and I’m sure each of you have looked back fondly on time spent with a loved one who is no longer with us.

Over the course of six years, my mother instilled a mantra in me: Be kind and gentle. She said this to me constantly and I believe it is what helped guide me to the right path. Be kind and gentle.

This never meant be a doormat, rather it’s a mantra of quiet strength. It means that you can stand up for yourself with a grace and power so steadfast that you cannot be struck down. It means filling your heart until it is brimming with compassion then pouring that into the cups of those who need it. Most importantly, it means being kind and gentle with yourself. I can confidently say this mantra is how I came to be a student in the College of Humanities, but additionally, it’s why this college has served all of us so well.

I feel extremely fortunate to have found a college that lined up with the mantra that my mother instilled in me. My experience as an undergraduate has been defined by the memories I made in the Humanities House, developing a love of boxing, as well as the comradery I felt with my peers in my Arabic classes.

While each of our experiences has been unique, we have all been pushed to think critically, embrace creativity, communicate effectively, and value diversity in every form.

Every semester brought classes that broadened our horizons, learning opportunities that extended beyond the classroom, and professors who encouraged us every step of the way. These resources and experiences encouraged all of us to follow our dreams all the way to today, to graduation.

That said, the last few years haven’t been easy. Everyone here has pulled all-nighters because we forgot about a huge assignment due the next day. I know I did that more than I’d like to admit. Each of us has failed an exam when we actually studied really, really hard. We’ve all had roommates that made us question whether we really should “be kind and gentle” to everyone.

While these situations may have been challenging, they’re trivial compared to the questions we’ve all asked ourselves. Am I smart enough? Do I deserve to be here? Would it be better if I just quit?

I wrestled with those questions too because college is tough. My mom’s voice saying “be kind and gentle” played in my mind every time I was wondering if I was meant for the life I was working so tirelessly for. Her constant reminder is what gave me the strength to walk forward, even when I felt like I kept falling down.

I want to ask all of you to take a few moments and think about what motivates you.

What is your mantra?

Maybe it’s at the front of your mind or maybe it’s buried deep in your soul. Maybe it’s something your family told you, your favorite song, a quote from a book, or something a celebrity once said. Regardless of its roots, it’s what makes you push on when you feel like you’re about to break from the pressure.

It was your mantra that helped bring you to this moment even when you had every opportunity to quit. Embrace that mantra because we’re about to embark on a crazy new journey with exhilarating highs and terrifying lows.

Many of us are job hunting, others are going to graduate school, some won fellowships and scholarships, and a few of us don’t know what we’re doing at all.

Regardless, you will find success because you have earned an amazing education and have a mantra that can carry you over the highest mountains and widest oceans.

As we step into the world as University of Utah College of Humanities graduates and into new roles as professionals, spouses, parents, and change-makers around the world, I hope you will all be kind and gentle.

I believe in each of you and am confident in the success that awaits us all.

Congratulations Class of 2019. We did it!