If I spoke at Graduation...

Good morning: esteemed guests, trustees, faculty, staff, President Fenves, families, and the guests of the hour- The Graduates. What a beautiful day in Druid Hills - I mean Atlanta— here on the Quad.

Congratulations Class of 2025, it’s surreal the day has come. Sitting in your cap and gown today, I hope makes it all feel worth it. Might make you wanna sing “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.” To think that a mere two weeks ago we were pulling all-nighters in libs, completing projects, papers, and studying for exams- now it’s all come to an end. Unless you’re going to grad school.

If you’re like me and you avoid stacks and the quiet floors because you would rather chat with friends while studying, then you would probably find yourself on the second floor. Plastered on a wall across from the service desk is a placard stating: “Do not follow the path, go where there is no path to begin a trail” in Twi it reads… "Mfa ɔkwan no akyi, kɔ baabi a ɔkwan biara nni hɔ a wobɛfa so afi sɔhwɛ bi ase."

As a Ghanaian-American, when I first came across this image, I was shocked to find a piece of home displayed here, in Emory. Over the course of my undergraduate journey, it has become clear that seeing these words was no mistake. I’m sure many of you share this sentiment when I say that Emory will continue to hold a special place in our hearts forever. Whether that special place is the Whitehead Biomedical Research Building, Costa Coffee at Goizueta, or White Hall, not only did these spaces offer comfort, but we built these attachments based on the purposes and passions they have inspired within us.

However, perhaps these spaces also produced questions and deep self reflection: I’m here to tell you that the self-reflections you went through these past 4 years will not end today. We must be in a constant pursuit of our purpose. Well what is purpose? Purpose is the original intent for the creation of a thing. I believe that every person here has a God-given purpose within them, and it is our responsibility to fulfill it within our lifetime. I recall entering my teenage years and attending church Youth camps where the focus was on discovering Your purpose. We determined that in order to identify one’s purpose they must answer these 5 key questions- 1) Who am I? 2) Where am I from? 3) Why am I here? 4) What can I do? and 5) Where am I going?

I can’t even begin to tell you the number of times I’ve had to come back to these questions and reevaluate my path. When an obstacle comes my way, disappointing news, or comparison the thief of joy, I am reminded of the old Ghanaian proverb, to make my own path. Emory has fostered an environment for me to establish my purpose in science and storytelling that I otherwise would have neglected. An opportunity to expand my skill set in all areas, whether it be in scientific writing and film production with Reality Check the Series, investigating the impacts of low protein diet on pancreatic cancer in the Caspary lab, or singing with Voices of Inner Strength. Emory truly rallies around interdisciplinary studies.

A great teacher and leader, Dr. Myles Munroe said that when you realize your purpose it saves you from poor decisions; everything you say, do, and think would be influenced by that purpose. I, like many of you, probably had expectations for college inspired by the movies. They say college is the best 4 years of your life and that you really discover yourself and your community. However, it's possible that many of you in your seats might be leaving today and entering some uncertainty: going into a career you’re not sure you’ll love or didn’t get your dream job offer so settled for the third choice. Little do you know, that uncertainty is an opportunity to dive deeper into your interests, to keep learning, growing, and trying new things. It doesn’t stop here, this is only the beginning.

As I conclude, I am satisfied to be graduating with a newfound community of mentors who took a chance on me. I want to express my sincere appreciation to my family, my mom, dad and sisters. My mentors, my church family, and friends. Thank you for your prayers, motivation, and— let’s be real— your money and health insurance. Thank you for teaching me faith and for turning my endurance into enjoyment.

To the newest alumni of the esteemed Emory University, Congratulations!