Goal Achieved; But Journey Has Just Begun: 2016 UVI Graduates Celebrate Milestone

ST. CROIX — The “Driven, Diligent and Resilient” Class of 2016 at the University of the Virgin Islands’ St. Croix Campus on Friday walked into a tent erected to host the event with excitement, a sign that the annual occasion, the university’s 52nd, was set to be one filled with boisterous moments as over 80 graduates received their diplomas after years of hard work and sacrifice. The St. Thomas campus held its commencement ceremony a day earlier with over 200 graduates.

“You have counted down the days, the hours, the moments and now you are here. You have known rivers and now you are poised to cross the one that has fertilized your mind, heart and soul,” said U.V.I. President Dr. David Hall as he proudly addressed the 2016 class, eliciting cheers from students. There was a sense of accomplished unity that permeated this year’s graduates, which was exemplified when speeches from all main speakers — Dr. Hall, U.V.I., Sir Hilary McDonald Beckles, vice chancellor of the University of the West Indies and Akeem O. McIntosh, 2016 class speaker — touched on points of the rewards of hard work.

Yet, while the class of 2016 was rightfully excited about the end of one journey, the speakers reminded them of another just beginning that would require even more dedication. Sir Beckles lauded the “Crucian spirit” that he deemed resilient in remaining steadfast to its heritage. He ventured into the dark corners of Caribbean history, reminding an attentive audience of the slave trade that left a people desolate and wanting; after being dragged to an unknown land not to learn and find better lives, but to be brutalized with incessant labor by their masters.

But Sir Beckles said that in the midst of hopelessness and despair, because of the strength and resolve of the people of African heritage, who managed to rise above daunting circumstances, today the Caribbean is producing intellectuals of whom the world must reckon with; and he determined that they will one day lead a future that should ensure the work towards prosperity for all continues.

“This is much more than a celebration of your grand academic achievement; it’s a celebration also of your values, the values imparted through you, through generations, to stand up to educate yourselves and to prepare yourselves for the future. It is a celebration of the virtues you hold: father and daughter, families — all banding together in celebration of knowledge,” Sir Beckles said.

“And this is altogether revolutionary because our ancestors were not brought to the Caribbean to pursue knowledge. We were brought here to work, to labor without wages. But we have turned that history on its head and now we are producing young intellectuals who are vibrant. We shall not be defined by others,” he added.

The tent was at capacity as family and friends joined their loved ones for the proud moment. In some ways, yesterday’s speakers were addressing them, too, as they reminded the graduates of the sacrifices of loved ones, and the critical role those sacrifices played in their success.

“You did not cross this river alone,” said Dr. Hall. “And therefore I want you to join me in recognizing those who were your bridge and your inspiration — parents, grandparents, spouses, significant others and families of graduates, please stand and be recognized. You have been a bridge over these troubled waters of success and these graduates are saying in their hearts, ‘I never would have made it without you.'”

And class speaker Mr. McIntosh, who touched on a myriad of issues affecting the university — including a facility to house the annual commencement and pay raises for the institution’s faculty — highlighted the graduates’ determination, and encouraged them to be themselves.

“We have seen many challenges along the way, and overcame many obstacles. We have been beaten, battered and bludgeoned — all in the name of academic success,” Mr. McIntosh said. But perhaps his most profound words came when Mr. McIntosh compelled his peers — and those at yesterday’s commencement — to live a little.

“Do not be afraid to live. Most of us exists in this world but rarely to we ever really live. Ask yourselves when was the last time I really felt alive. We are so focused on making a living that we forget to actually live. We devote so much of our time to our schoolwork, our jobs and being a functional member of society that we never really enjoy life and its riches,” he said.

“We should take more time to enjoy, or as Rasta would say, “fulljoy” life. Feel the kiss of the son, feel the caress of the breeze, listen closely as the winds hiss through the trees, walk barefooted in the grass and leave footprints in the sand. These simple joys make life more bearable and amazing on the best days.

“Furthermore, what about your passion? What makes your blood rush? What gets your heart pumping? These are the things that really matter. Do not be afraid to chase your passions. Yes, most passions require you to take risks, and we all know that risks do not guarantee success. But you never know how successful you can be if you never try; you never know how much you can gain if you never take a chance. Chasing passions and following dreams can lead to a life of excitement and fulfillment.”

“One of the greatest challenges in this world is to get your head and heart to agree, and to get your actions to reflect that agreement. Despite the opinions of others — be it family, friends, significant others or just the public in general — when you consider all others in your decisions, it is difficult to live your life your way.

“The truth is, what makes you happy is all that matters. Do what makes you happy; follow your passions and work to accomplish the goals that you set for yourselves. It is better to have experiences that bring you joy and fulfillment than to maintain the status quo. Whether you are going to work in a suit or in gardening clothes, whether you are preaching to crowds or having a one-on-one conversation with a homeless person, you are you, and you can make a difference in any capacity, anywhere you are.

“As long as you do not bring harm to another, by all means do you. Wear what you want to wear, be who you want to be, love who you want to love and do what you want to do. Just be happy being you.”

Feature Image: Rokeyah Connor graduated on Friday with a bachelors in mass communications, and a minor in psychology. (Ernice Gilbert, VIC).