Dear Ontario Tech grads

Dear Ontario Tech Grads, 

How are you doing? I know for some, your journey is just getting started. You might be completing your undergraduate degree and preparing for graduate school, or you might be entering the workforce as a recent graduate. I know that some of you might not be sure what’s next, and that is completely fine.  In fact, I like to think that uncertainty means you have more room for self-reflection, growth and positive change! 

I’m so incredibly excited to watch you walk down the stage at Convocation. I like to think going to Convocation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity because you deserve to be celebrated and acknowledged for your hard work. I think that throughout life, we often forget to pause and appreciate our accomplishments. I know that for the class of 2026, adjusting to university was already a challenge, but it was even tougher when everything was online before. It must have been a lot to suddenly jump onto a bustling campus, interact with peers and finally sit down to take an actual midterm! I'm calling out all you 2004 babies, haha. Besides that, you’ve finally made it, after years of grueling work, uncertainty and successes; you are soon going to walk that stage, a final testament of your time at Ontario Tech University. 

I wanted to take the moment to share some words of encouragement. Not just to congratulate you for reaching this new milestone, but to reassure you and to share some tips that may come in handy during this new transition in your life! 

Throughout my undergrad, the idea of graduating scared me. I would go into panic mode, stressing about my current situation and whether I would reach my future goals. To this day, I still get nervous thinking about my own graduation, but what helps me is reminding myself that everything will be okay. Because it will be. There is time, even when it feels like there isn't. You may have regrets during university, but know that in this current chapter, you can and will succeed. If you keep moving forward with an open mind, this journey won’t seem so overwhelming.

I encourage you to embrace your future, pursue new endeavors boldly, hold on to those who kept you going, lead with purpose, and, most importantly, be proud of all you’ve accomplished! Graduating wasn’t easy, but your resilience and ongoing determination prove otherwise. 

That said, once again, congratulations! I am so proud to see how far you’ve come, and I can’t wait to see what more you’ll do. Like Dr. Seuss said, “Kid, you’ll move mountains! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!”

Sincerely,

Sinthura