Define the Degree By Adebade Ilori,‘ 25
Define the Degree By Adebade Ilori
Society calls you a minority— I hope you don’ t believe that’ s true Because truth be told, There is nothing“ minor” about you. Society tries to dismiss our history Because of the strength of our roots, Twisting the narrative to bury the proof— Bending the truth.
But we... We are defined by our ability to be the light And bring our city hope— Our ability to stay in the fight With our backs against the ropes. I see students who stood for their community When under attack. Even when our city was subject to the fire, We fired back.
Students who offered help to the helpless And made nothing of it. Students who took healthcare across nations— To the Dominican Republic. HCOP Scholars taking healthcare to the streets— It’ s become our commitment.
Scholars taking knowledge across states, A part of biomedical enrichment. Scholars in SART redefining the mental health of the community, Discovering ways to restore health equity With every opportunity.
Our cohort served our community With diligence and dedication. The research we conduct is more than a thesis— It’ s transformation.
The temperature’ s rising in L. A.— It must be all our degrees, Symbolizing proof of our mastery As we’ re chasing our dreams. Don’ t let society stunt your growth— Continue to chase your ambitions. Looking at you all, I see future dentists, teachers, technicians, physicians. We will celebrate this win, But this is only the beginning. In the words of the late Kobe Bryant:“ The job’ s not finished.” Let it be ingrained in your heart That the best is yet to come.
And know that the sky is not the limit— There is none. Keep pressing forward with diligence— Leave the world astonished. You are more than capable, Look at all you’ ve accomplished. You were able to remain strong, Though times have been rough. They say you won’ t amount to anything, But you’ re more than enough.
The year wasn’ t pretty, But it was progress. Keep your eyes on the prize, Your mind on the process. Look at how far you’ ve come, Though you’ ve come from behind. This degree doesn’ t define you... You set the degree to which you are defined.
You can find more of Adebade’ s work, poetry, and reflections on YouTube at @ manlikekingdavid
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