Lavender Graduation Speech at Cornell in 2024
In my capacity as the President of Cornell Pride, Cornell’s LGBTQIA+ Alumni Association, I had the honor of speaking to the Class of 2024 Lavender Graduates on May 1, 2024 at an absolutely stunning ceremony on Cornell’s campus in Ithaca, NY.
Below are my notes for that occasion.
Friends, colleagues, and soon-to-be Cornell Pride alumni,
You’re all so beautiful - you’re just dazzling with all the knowledge, skills and boundless potential you’ve got inside of you. We are gathered here tonight to celebrate your remarkable achievements, but this moment doesn’t just mark the conclusion of one chapter: it marks the commencement of a new journey filled with infinite possibilities.
If there’s one singular piece of advice I can share with you to equip you for your adventure after Ithaca, it’s this quote from President Obama:
“...just learn how to get stuff done. I’ve seen at every level people who are very good at describing problems, people who are very sophisticated in explaining why something went wrong or why something can’t get fixed, but what I’m always looking for is no matter how small the problem or how big it is, somebody who says, ‘Let me take care of that.’”
Now, while I haven’t worked for half as many years as the former President, I can tell you from my own ten years since graduation that this advice is absolutely true. There is nothing more valuable than actually taking action, rolling up your sleeves and effecting change. This is particularly important for those of us from LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized communities. In a world rife with obstacles and inequalities, being proactive and excelling isn't merely a nice thing to do; it's a necessity.
Please understand that “getting stuff done” goes beyond mere achievement. The deeper truth is that, when you become so good at what you do - whatever that is - you will command undeniable attention and respect. Your remarkable proficiency will grant you autonomy and recognition, providing a platform from which you can uplift others and enact positive change.
In the words of beloved Cornellian Toni Morrison:
“When you get these jobs that you have so brilliantly trained for, just remember that your real job is that if you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have power, then your job is to empower somebody else.”
In saying so, Morrison reminds us of the responsibility that accompanies success. As you embark on your journey, remember that your accomplishments aren't solely for personal gain, but also for the betterment of others. Utilize your influence to advocate for equity and justice, and to create a more inclusive society.
But remember, none of us travels this path alone. Seek out the support of your community, and in turn, give back to your community whenever possible. Together, we can uplift each other and create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
So, as you breathe a sigh of relief that prelims are a thing of the past, worry less about discovering your purpose or passion, and instead focus on excelling in whatever opportunities come your way. Continue to grow and learn, as being an excellent doer will always open doors to bigger and more opportunities in the future. Your journey may be non-linear, but it will be uniquely yours, shaping your own definition of success. The world is hungry for your contributions. Go forth, and let your actions speak volumes.