Convocation Speech - Love - Dream & Fly

I wanted to share with the world the speech I recently gave at Texas Tech University, Health Science Center, School of Nursing, graduation ceremony held on May 20th, 2011. Enjoy!

Good afternoon graduates, faculty, staff, family members, friends and special guests. I would like to share a story with you.

Love, Dream & Fly

This is the story of a shy little boy. This little boy was born outside of the United States and English was not his native language. He was raised in a loving family. His parents always believed in him. They trusted him. He trusted them in return. He was the first in his family to go to college. His parents loved him so much that this love fueled him with energy and a desire to go even further. He wanted more. He had a dream. His dream was to obtain a doctorate degree. Like many, his life was also filled with a few “detours”, but he never lost focus on his dream. Today, this shy French Canadian little boy is standing in front of you, achieving his dream. He is graduating with a Doctorate Degree in Nursing Practice.

I am sharing this story to highlight the importance of loving your children, believing in your children, and allowing them to dream. Success starts at a very young age. Today we have an entire auditorium filled with success stories and I applaud all of you for your efforts, for living your dream.

Nursing is an outstanding profession. As a nurse you can make a difference everyday in the life of others. We are so fortunate to be able to do that. As a baccalaureate prepared registered nurse I was prepared to help families in hardship situations. I personally saved lives in the emergency room. As a master prepared registered nurse, I was prepared to develop processes to make healthcare a safer place for our patients. I participated in quality improvement studies and influenced thousands of nurses across the country. As a doctor of nursing practice, I am now prepared at the highest level of leadership in practice and scientific inquiry. The highest level of leadership in practice. Wow, how about that for a dream.

I applaud your efforts. I congratulate all of you for your accomplishments. Mom, Dad, family members, partners, spouses, friends, mentors a special thanks to all of you. It would not have been possible without your unconditional support. Thank you. Merci. Jeffie, you mean the world to me.

Guillaume Appolinaire wrote “Come to the edge’ he said. They said, “We are afraid.” “Come to the edge,” he said. They came. He pushed them…and they flew.” This is the time when our faculty are pushing us into the world. Fly, (pregnant pause) we will make a difference. Fly (pregnant pause) our dreams come true. Always remember the reason why we took this flight into nursing: To make a difference in the life of others through knowledge and caring. Today is the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. The future belongs to those who dare to pursue their dream. What will be your next dream?