Commencement speaker to grads: Continue to be bold warriors, rising up to face challenges, change

Walda Collins, a Purdue Global alumna, made these remarks Saturday (Feb. 17) during Purdue Global’s commencement in Irving, Texas. 

Congratulations to this graduating class of 2024. Purdue Global graduates — you look absolutely amazing! 

Look around the room. Take in the beauty of what you see. To your left and to your right are some amazing people who know just what it took to be where you are today. And I, too, know just what that’s like.

I know all of you are sitting in that seat today for different reasons. We all have our own push, our own motivations, our own "why.” For me, I would not be standing here on this stage without the wonderful God-sent people in my life. I want to take just a moment to thank my husband of 27 years, Dr. Keith G. Collins, for his unfailing love and support. My sons — Zachary and Keith Jr. — they were, and still are, my “why.”

And I’m sure many of you have your reasons why you decided to stick with this journey. And then, I’m ever so grateful for these two little people who will forever be the hitch to the rest of my journey that keeps my “why” going: my grandkids, Sariah and Na’Kobi. 

Whatever your reason may be for accomplishing this great milestone, I know it required some pushing, pulling and straining to get here. I know it was a battle. Some of you wanted to give up and throw in the towel, but life threw it right back at you and said, “You’re too close to give up now.”

Some of you wanted to quit, but the warrior in you wouldn’t allow you to. I know all too well what that’s like. 

Much like a diamond, it requires intense heat and a collision with purpose to discover the potential and power you already possess. 

The late renowned author and leadership coach Dr. Myles Munroe once said, “You must decide if you are going to rob the world or bless it with the rich, valuable, potent, untapped resources locked away within you.”

I’ve come to know warriors don’t make excuses; they build expectations! Warriors possess a deliberate expectation to succeed!

Warriors understand that before every birth there is a battle. 

You’ve had to endure the rigors of growing beyond your reach, learning when it was most discomforting, and grinding constantly to complete this journey! But here you are! And you, my friends, are warriors!

A warrior isn’t cocky, but confident in their abilities!

A warrior isn’t arrogant, but bold in their decree of what they will achieve!

A warrior doesn’t wander aimlessly. A warrior is strategic and intentional in executing their plan!

In my journey of becoming a United States Marine, I had no idea those initial 13 weeks would change the trajectory of my life. Like so many of you who are retired, or still actively serving, I, too, stood face-to-face with fear, danced toe-to-toe with uncertainty and battled a mountain of challenges. But in the end, after serving 23 years, 8 months, 11 days, 4 hours and 32 minutes, I knew I had gained the foundation for my next something great.

You, too, will be confronted with challenges that will cause you to pivot and change. You’ll then have to decide if you have what it takes to remain committed. And this is how you know:

You know you’ve been challenged when trials test you beyond your perceived ability. You know you’ve met the challenge when you’ve stood boldly to defy the odds that confront you. Without challenges, there is no growth. Without growth, there is no change. Challenges awaken your brilliance and ignite your propensity to change.

So don’t fear change. Change, in itself, is powerful! When you change the way you think, it shifts the trajectory of your life. When you embrace change, it will propel you to push past the pain, maximize your potential, walk boldly in your purpose and stand firm in your power. Change is a necessary entity to accomplish your goals. Change unleashes your aspirations and garners your commitment to remain steadfast.

Have you ever wanted something so badly, but you couldn't commit to what it took to obtain it? Not you, but maybe someone you know … because when I look around this room, I see warriors! So many people have missed opportunities, unachieved goals and unfulfilled dreams because they lacked commitment. A warrior must have a “no matter what” mentality. A warrior remains committed until the battle is won!

So I say to every warrior in the room today, step into your greatness! You have welcomed the challenge, embraced change and travailed in your commitment. You’ve broken away from the social norms and risen above mediocrity. 

Continue to face life’s challenges, embrace change and remain committed to your purpose. And in doing so, it will unleash the warrior in you! 

Congratulations to each and every one of you! You are destined for greatness!