Janean Marshall’s speech to a graduating class at MSVU as Valedictorian

Good morning Madam Chancellor, Madam President, Madam Board Chair, Honorary Degree Recipient, Distinguished Guests, Family, Friends and especially my fellow graduates. My name is Janean Marshall and I have been selected as your 2014 fall convocation Valedictorian.

First I’d like to take a moment and let this sink in and snap a quick pic of the Mounts’ new graduates. NO not a selfie I’m not great at them but this view is breathtaking and surreal… So, this is what if feels like to be on campus? Until this day, all of my course work was completed in the comfort of Unama’ki or Cape Breton. Even in Cape Breton our cohort was taken under the wings of the Mount’s extended family. It was there that we have come to know the kindness and passion of this most dedicated faculty.

I must admit that As I sat in front of the computer to prepare this Valedictorian speech for all of you today, I was at a loss for words of wisdom or inspiration or so I thought. I could feel that old trepidation seeping in and clouding my vision and voice. I stopped took a breath and began to reflect upon the guiding voices in my life path thus far. Those of you whom are graduating today from education may be weary of that word, REFLECT. I get it. However, What I have come to learn through my educational journey is that taking the time to look back at how far you have come and reveling in the journ ...