Full Sail University Graduation "Advanced Achiever" Speech 12-14-2012

1. Full Sail University "Advanced Achiever" Graduation Speech
Music Business, Bachelor of Science ‘12
Friday, December 14, 2012
My daughter was born on January 11, 2009; the day that I held her for the first
time, I cried. On that very special day, I realized that my life’s purpose was more
important and had new meaning. In my heart, I knew I wanted to be a positive role
model, someone my daughter can look up to with pride. Finishing college was one of the
things on my “To Do” list, no better time than the present to beginning a goal I’ve long to
accomplish.
In 2010, I decided that I was going to make the effort to be a parent that does what
he claims to do, lead by example and increase the opportunity to better provide for my
family. I remember rushing my admissions process with Bryce Cottle. He was so
helpful and made my process painless. Then in June of 2010, I started my educational
journey. It was right then and there the fear set in. You see, I had been out of college for
nearly 10 years, and my fear of failing was beginning to surface. I remember looking at
my daughter, who was just 1 ½ years of age, mustering up the courage and pulling up my
sleeves to face this challenging chapter of my life. Imagine this, being a full time dad,
working full time, having a two hour commute to and from work; and, yet, trying to
juggle my time efficiently in order to continue to be a father and going to school at the
age of 31. It’s now 2012, and I stand in front of you, my fellow graduates, as the
Advanced Achiever, which is an honor.
The real honor for me is being amongst you, our graduating class. Some of you I
have gotten to know, some have become my friends and we’re meeting in person for the
first time. This brings me more joy and pride for all of us. Today is our day! We went
through the motions of staying up late and meeting deadlines to say the least. We have
learned so much more than the theories or processes contained in our respected
curriculums. What we have learned are time management skills, being held accountable
and taking ownership of our work, and finally to find courage, a better understanding of
ourselves and belief that “I can do this” and that “I will succeed”. I’m honored to be
standing today shoulder to shoulder with each of you. I look forward to seeing our class
leave our mark and continue to represent Full Sail in the world as we go out into our
perspective careers and achieve new milestones in our lives.
I want to thank everyone that has supported and believed in me. I also want to
thank each of the instructors I have had the privilege of learning from; which increased
my confidence and self worth. I thank the Course Directors that awarded me this honor
and I thank Full Sail for making me this graduating class’ Advanced Achiever.
Before I go I want to share with you something that I said in 2010,

2. "There comes a time when you must stand alone. You must feel confident enough
within yourself to follow your own dreams, willing to make sacrifices. You must
be capable of changing and rearranging your priorities so that your final goal can
be achieved. Sometimes, familiarity & comfort need to be challenged."
Thank you, my fellow class, and the best of luck to each and one of you. Believe
and you will take flight!