Good Morning honored guests, family, friends, faculty, and fellow graduates,
It is an honor to speak to all graduates today.
My name is Soo Ah Lim and I majored in Global Affairs.
Although some graduates here might not know me personally, I would like to share three things I hope for—for all of us—as a fellow graduate, as a friend, and as an Unnie or Nuna [older sister to a younger sister or brother--RM].
First, I hope you can take some time to recall how much you have grown the last few years.
After today, when you step outside of Mason, there may be moments when you distrust your abilities and start to compare yourself with others.
In those moments, remember how much you’ve grown at Mason and how far you have come.
For me, I didn’t have a chance to get a proper English education before coming to Mason Korea. I was homeschooled during my high school years, so it was my first time learning proper English when I came to Mason Korea. When I was a freshman, it was hard for me to even write a 300-word short essay.
However, now I can see how much I’ve learned and grown.
So, whenever you start to doubt your abilities or achievements, remember your Mason journey!
Open up the textbook you used as a freshman or re-read the essays you wrote as a sophomore. You'll see how remarkable you are and how much potential you have. Always remember. You don't have to compare yourself to others. You are already outstanding as you are because you will continue to grow and become a better version of yourself.
Next, I hope you can be a grateful person in all circumstances.
We all experienced unprecedented times in the last three years.
Our academic years were impacted by the pandemic and it was not an enjoyable experience. Some people spent the last three years with complaints and viewed them as hopeless times.
When I came back to Mason Korea after taking a leave of absence, the pandemic broke out so I had to start my new semester online.
I could complain about the uncomfortable situation, but I started looking for things to be grateful for every day during those times.
When I started to give thanks, I was able to achieve great outcomes in the situation I was given.
In life, we can encounter difficult circumstances that are different from our expectations and plans.
However, I hope we can be individuals who can give thanks in all circumstances. When you are grateful each day, you won’t miss any great opportunities in life.
Lastly, I hope you realize that you are loved and given every blessing that you need.
If someone asked me what the greatest blessing at Mason Korea was, I would say it was being loved and blessed by the people I met here.
We often forget about the people who are around us when we are overwhelmed by life and feel like we are alone. In those moments, I hope you can remember precious memories that you had with friends, professors, and staff at Mason.
When I faced difficulties I couldn’t solve by myself, there were friends who prayed with me and helped me as if my problems were theirs.
Moreover, there were faculty and staff who believed in me even when I could not believe in myself.
When I almost couldn’t continue my studies due to financial difficulties, the school gave me financial support in consideration of my circumstances.
Fellow garduates, remember that you deserve to be blessed. Not because you are good at something, but simply because you are special and unique just as you are.
I hope you know that the greatest blessing we can have in our lives is the people around us and their love and support.
Again, I hope you realize how much you have grown, that you may be grateful in all circumstances, and that you remember you will always be loved and blessed by the people around you just as you experienced at Mason Korea.
Congratulations to you all graduates.
May the LORD bless you and keep you;
May the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
And may the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
July 19, 2022