Where The Sidewalk Ends & The Road Begins Well, here we are!!!

Where The Sidewalk Ends & The Road Begins

Well, here we are!!! Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen, Esteemed Faculty, Proud Parents, Honored Guests, and most importantly, My Fellow Antiochian’s of the graduating class of 2024.

It is a profound honor to stand before you today, not just as a speaker but as a testament to the transformative journey we have all embarked upon here at Antioch University. The countless hours of reading, the late-night texts to one another, google chats, presentations pho pas, and all the sacrifices we have made has been our collective experience and the heartbeat of our education.

My journey to this stage has been far from conventional. As a recovering addict and alcoholic, I have navigated the treacherous waters of despair and emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to serve others. Antioch has been an integral part of that rebirth. Here, I found not just an education but a calling, a place where my past struggles could fuel my passion for helping those still caught in the grips of mental health challenges.

In the classrooms and the virtual corridors of Antioch, I discovered a community that embraced diversity and celebrated the unique perspectives each of us brought to the table. Our shared vision for justice in all its forms created a learning environment that was both challenging and nurturing. We were not just students; we were advocates, innovators, and healers in training.

The Clinical Psychology program has been a crucible in which my personal experiences and academic pursuits melded together. The faculty, many of whom are leading practitioners in their fields, provided us with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to become agents of change. They challenged us to think critically, to question the status quo, and to apply our learning in ways that would make a tangible difference in the lives of those we will serve.

Our education at Antioch has been steeped in the values of social justice. We learned that to be effective therapists, we must understand the broader societal forces that shape the experiences of our clients. We delved into the complexities of race, gender, socioeconomic status, and the environment, recognizing that each of these factors plays a pivotal role in the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities.

But perhaps most importantly, Antioch taught us the power of empathy and the importance of human connection. As someone who has walked the lonely road of addiction, I know firsthand the healing that comes from being seen, heard, and understood. Our training has equipped us to be that source of understanding for others, to extend a hand in the darkest of times, and to offer hope when it seems all but lost.

The mission of Antioch has been manifested in my experience through the numerous hours of engaging in real-world learning. My eternal gratitude for the internship experiences I have been afforded at Casa Serena has allowed me to apply my classroom knowledge in a diverse setting, serving individuals from all walks of life. We were not just preparing for a career; we were already part of the vital work of improving lives and shaping a more just society.

Today, as we stand on the cusp of a new chapter, we carry with us the values and vision that have been instilled in us by Antioch. We are ready to step into the world as compassionate, skilled clinicians who are not afraid to tackle the big issues, to advocate for those without a voice, and to lead the way in creating a more equitable and inclusive mental health landscape. Maya Angelou said “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

To my fellow graduates, I say this: Remember the lessons of Antioch as you go forth. Embrace the diversity of the human experience. Listen deeply to the stories of those you serve. Stand up for justice in every encounter. And never forget that our own journey, with its trials and triumphs, has prepared us for the profound work we are about to do.

To the faculty and staff of Antioch, with special thanks to Mohan who wasn’t afraid to challenge me to better learning of the case conceptualization in theory specific language. “chuckle” I extend my deepest gratitude for your guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support. To my daughter who inspires me every day to be ——, my family, and friends, thank you for believing in me, even when the path seemed uncertain.

And to the world that awaits us, know that the graduates of Antioch University Santa Barbara are coming, ready to make a difference, ready to heal, ready to lead.

Thank you, and congratulations to the Class of 2024. Let us go forth and live the mission that has brought us all together as the sidewalk ends and the road begins.