What is a valuable commodity that you can give away but still
keep? It’s education, of course!
First of all, congratulations to our graduating students.
Whether you have finished a bachelor’s or a doctorate, you
have completed a degree program that will benefit you for the rest
of your life. If you ask me, education is the greatest possession.
It can never be taken from you, and as you give it to others, the
overall supply only increases.
Wouldn’t it be great if everything were like that?
We Bruins are especially fortunate. The quality and variety of
educational opportunities at UCLA are truly among the best in the
world. We have a vast catalog of diverse courses, excellent
research facilities and renowned faculty. Each quarter we can
attend any number of cultural events, concerts, plays, movies,
lectures and social activities. To top it off, we have an amazingly
beautiful campus and incredible weather.
Yes, life is good as a Bruin, and we have many people to thank
for making UCLA what it is today. To all the faculty, staff,
alumni, legislators, regents, government officials, community
members and many others who have fought to give the gift of
education, we say thank you!
Thank you for giving of yourself to better our school. Thank you
for your countless selfless (and quite often, unacknowledged)
services to the people of UCLA.
Without your help, this school, this state and this nation would
be missing so many of the good things that you have brought to our
lives.
Just like any other institution, UCLA is a community ““ a
community of people who understand the importance of higher
education. We are individuals who have the foresight to know that
education is an investment that incurs sacrifice before reaping
great rewards.
We have all groaned when our alarm goes off, telling us to go to
our early class. We have all bemoaned the existence of finals. We
have all overcome these struggles, and in doing so, we have
prepared ourselves for great success.
Take a minute to think about the person that you were before
starting college. Undoubtedly, you have grown in many ways ““
changes that you don’t even realize. Isn’t it a
wonderful feeling of accomplishment?
Wherever you go in life, remember how you got there. You have
been given a wonderful gift ““ please share it with others.
There are so many ways for you to do this.
Read to a child, volunteer at after-school programs, become a
teacher, tell your representatives that you want more of your tax
dollars to go toward education, be a mentor, or donate money to pay
a student’s tuition.
Whatever path you will traverse in the coming years, I wish you
much success. I encourage you to continue your education daily.
Read the newspaper, be active in your community, and be sure to
vote.
Remember to hug your family, to exercise, and to relax with your
true friends. There is a vast world of opportunity waiting for
you.
Follow your passions, not just dollar bills. Be proud of what
you do, and you won’t go hungry. True fulfillment is the best
paycheck in life.
Enjoy your life, and remember: Education is a gift. Please share
it.
Fox is the 2004-2005 Graduate Student Association
president.