As an African International student, I thought my Post experience would be remarkably different from those of most of my fellow graduates. However, the college experience is more universal than I gave it credit for, and I found that every student grappled with one thing or the other. For me, it was the loneliness and the heartbreak of being separated from my family. When I was leaving Nigeria for the United States, one of the gifts my mother gave me was the wood carving of a turtle. Slow and steady, she told me. I listened, but it was not always easy. I clearly remember walking across this lawn one day that first semester, and hearing an airplane in the sky. I looked up and wished with all my heart that I could be on that plane and on my way back to the familiarity of home. But look at all I would have missed. This is just one day, but I have four years' worth of memories that would have been impossible if I did not just take it one day at a time.

Graduating with a Physics degree from a liberal arts and science college - I wouldn't have it any other way. There was something about the balance of science classes with arts courses that preserved my sanity. When I needed an escape from Physics or Chemistry, I would focus on the news story I was writing for the school newspaper, The Pioneer. Nothing felt as right as returning from an invigorating dance class to work on calculus. My involvement in the Honors Program provided me with the opportunity to travel to Maryland and Chicago for annual Honors conferences. Tutoring in the English and Chemistry departments helped me with my academic work. My internship at Pall Corporation gave me invaluable work experience that has helped me shape my career goals. When combined, these activities ensured I not only had a hectic schedule, but an unforgettable Post experience.

I remember learning to pirouette in a modern dance class last summer. My teacher told me to focus on a spot, turn around quickly on the ball of one foot and immediately refocus on the spot I'd picked. She said this would help me keep my balance. I did as she said, and proceeded to execute the pirouette - literally. In life, though, it is worthwhile to remember that advice. It is so easy to be shaken by our self-doubts, deterred by our colleagues, discouraged by our leaders, and disoriented by tragic events such as the September 11 attack, but if we keep our focus, we will not lose our balance.

Let us not get so caught up in where we are going that we forget to enjoy the journey. Often, the lessons we learn along the way are what make the trip memorable. When I came to Post, I looked forward to the day I would graduate. Now that I'm graduating, all I can think about is my time spent here. I cannot forget professors like Joan Digby, Joan Shields, Donald Gelman, and Nicholas Ramer, who have encouraged, challenged, and influenced me more than they may ever know - they truly are stars of C.W. Post. The HEOP office on campus has been a useful resource and an unexpected friend that has never failed to lift my spirits. I know that when I am tempted to give less than my best, I will hear the voice of Stanley, my mentor at Pall Corporation, telling me to do more and not limit myself. At the end of the day, the earned diploma will be framed and hung on a wall but it is these memories that I will carry with me always.

At this time, I would like to acknowledge my parents, Adesuji and Modupe, and my "American mother", Geraldine; my siblings: Seyi, Fisayo, and Kanyinsola; my Nigerian base in the United States, the Ogunleye family; and all my friends. My Post experience would have been impossible without their sacrifice, love, and friendship. I am so grateful and blessed to have them in my life.

To the C.W. Post campus at large: thank you for surpassing the expectations of an impressionable 18 year old away from home for the first time.

Once again, congratulations to the Class of 2002. Thank you all for listening. Enjoy the rest of the ceremony.