Dear graduates,

Take the time to reflect upon the start of your Penn journey. What were your expectations, concerns, and fears? What were the highlights of your journey? Perhaps you expected to struggle with Calculus but discovered your passion for math and decided to add it as a minor to your program. Making friends can be daunting, yet you and your first-year roommate have planned a post-graduation trip. How about that professor or academic advisor who saw something in you and encouraged you to apply for a scholarship? Regardless of the struggles, disappointments, and obstacles, put those in the background and celebrate your accomplishments and the joy of commencement events. As you begin the next path in your life, my parting advice to you:

Think about transferable skills. Both academic and experiential skills gained during your Penn days will continue to inform your personal and professional life. Reflect upon your internship, study abroad experience, and Penn organizations/clubs. You made friends, learned about cultural issues, and strengthened your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Remember those Penn staff and faculty who touched your spirit. Take the time to write an e-mail to your favorite advisor and provide an update about your post-graduation activities. Tell a professor how she made a difference in your way of thinking.

You are turning into an alumnae/alumnus on Commencement Day, yet you are still part of the community. Read those updates you will receive from Alumni Relations about the changes at Penn. Stay connected with your Penn friends. If you are in the Philadelphia area for an event, stop by campus. The Weingarten Center staff is cheering you onward. Take this well-deserved time to celebrate!