College of Nursing graduate Abbie Chobot, of Waukesha, offered the following remarks at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s afternoon spring commencement ceremony on May 12 at Kolf Sports Center:

“Hello all. Before I deliver my speech, I would like the graduates to take a moment and look around. Absorb this second in time and take it all in. You have earned this. All the hard work, late nights of studying, the failures, and great successes have lead to this very day; the day that we enter a whole new chapter in our book of life.

“As I stand before you, I look out to a sea of black and gold, painting this event with Titan pride. As someone who was raised by two alumni–classes of December 1990 and May 1992–I would like to say that being a Titan is something in my blood.

“My journey as a Titan started off relatively traditionally as I entered the university at the doe-eyed age of 18. One question frequently asked after first stepping onto this campus was ‘what is your major?’…. In my mind this translated to, ‘what the heck are you going to do with the rest of your life?’

“I thought I knew, then I thought I knew again, and then finally, I actually knew. At this point, my family laughed at me and said ‘yes, remember when we suggested nursing and you said no?’ I of course stubbornly denied this, but here I am today, graduating with a bachelor’s of science in nursing and a minor in social justice…. You were right mom.

“I, however, believe that I had to take my own path to figure this out. Each of us, although we are united by our now alma mater, had extremely diverse college experiences and arrived today having taken very different paths. These paths were crucial in shaping the individual we are today.

“After my struggle to determine a major, I faced a more difficult ordeal. Spring semester of my sophomore year, I sat in my North Scott dorm room as my parents delivered the news that my dad had been diagnosed with stage 4 mucosal melanoma, cancer.

“This news devastated me as I faced the reality that my dad was just as human as the rest of us. After his diagnosis, it was my dad’s wish that I continue on in school. Therefore, although it was difficult, I progressed in my studies

“Eight months later, on the fateful day of Nov. 1, 2015, my dad lost his hard-fought battle with cancer and passed away at the age of 46.

“He faced his battle with strength, perseverance, and grace, as a Titan would.

“Before my dad passed, he had a conversation with my brother and I. He shared that he had spent some time contemplating what his life all had meant and struggled with understanding what he would be remembered for. His conclusion was that we were his greatest accomplishment and his lasting legacy here on earth.

“Thus, our dreams and plans for the future were not to be put on hold because of this adversity, but instead it was to push us forward. Therefore, the semester after his passing, I began my first semester in the nursing program. Every single day I channeled that message from my dad, and I told myself, ‘you will not give up and you will pursue everything you have ever wanted in this lifetime,’ and here I am.

“I share this story today not for sympathy, but rather to empower you. As we move forward and pursue our dreams, we will be faced with what seem like insurmountable challenges. Let these obstacles not knock us off our paths, but rather ignite a fire within that drives us to work harder. Let these challenges encourage you to dream bigger and go after what it is you truly want in this lifetime. I strongly believe that my dad’s illness and passing shaped my future and helped carve out my passions. It pushed me to fear less and fight more.

‘So, no matter the path we took, we are all standing here today graduating with a degree we chose to lead us to a future established in passion and talent. The path we took not only adds to our resumes, but shapes our view of the world, which makes us so unique.  

“UW Oshkosh prepares graduates who are talented, liberally educated, technically skilled global citizens that are fully engaged as leaders and participants in civic, economic, political and social life. This is what unites us as a part of the Titan family, but how we were prepared, what our talents are, and how we demonstrate leadership and participation are all so different.

“As we go forth in the world, people will see UW Oshkosh on our resume and be certain of a few things, but it is our job to demonstrate how complex we are and how much we have to offer as an individual.

“We, the class of 2018, are a powerhouse of ingenuity and ambition. May we push boundaries and pave new paths making this world a better place. Always remember that the best things in life take hard work and that no matter what life throws your way, you have the power to overcome it. As we move forward down different roads, may we find careers we are passionate about, success we can be proud of, and most importantly true happiness.

“Congratulations graduates, go forth and do incredible things!”