free to build our own dreams . This freedom that we get is something to be thankful for and something to be exercised in our personal lives and in our professional lives as chiropractors and healthcare leaders .
The next thing I ’ ve noticed from the chiropractors that I look up to is that they all focus on the truth . They are true to themselves , true to their purpose and true to their patients . The most successful doctors are very authentic and genuine , and it really shows in their practice . These successful folks are always sharpening their swords . They continue to learn , grow and better themselves every day .
A final thought I had was about expectations . I know we ’ ve all heard it said that “ To whom much is given , much is expected .” God ’ s already given us an incredible amount of talent and ability , and we ’ ve already used that to work hard and get to where we are today . But I do need to say that the hard work is not over today ; it ’ s really just beginning .
And lastly , I do expect great things from you , each and every one of you , my fellow graduates . I have full faith in you , and I ’ ve seen first-hand the dedication and the drive you ’ ve all shown over the last few years . We ’ ve all heard it said that it really is the best time to be a chiropractor , and I do believe that ’ s true . And as for the success that many of our colleagues have already achieved , I absolutely expect the same for you . So , the way I see it , today starts a great adventure . I don ’ t know about you guys , but I ’ m ready to get rocking and rolling into the real world .
Martin Cortes , CGUS Summer 2020 Valedictorian
LIFE has provided us with a different perception of life — one that taught us how to rely more on our own self-being — based on Vitalism and Lasting Purpose . As a result , we have become more aware of where and who we are to further develop our passion and skills , whether they are our hands , our mind or even our own voice .
Throughout these years , I found a song so rich in diversity within the faculty , the administration and the student body . To have been surrounded by such variety of traditions , ethnicities , lifestyles and cultural backgrounds has enriched our lives and opened our minds . While observing the beauty from each one of them , I can say I became more proud of my own heritage , having a better understanding of where I ’ ve come from and where I ’ m heading . I hope this was your experience as well .
Don ’ t be afraid to show the real you to the world , with your unique personality , skills , dreams , traditions and with your inner fire . Be you , but more importantly , enjoy being you .
In one of the books that I read recently called “ Outliers ,” it said that “ People ’ s success is a result of the sum of external factors , including relationships with people and planned and unforced events , that pretty much clear the path for them to discover and to improve their talent and skills .” Consequently , they just face more opportunities over time . So it is not necessarily about how smart you can be . It depends a lot on your own courage to look for and find those opportunities out there . You might fail , but the lessons will stay with you forever , and you will have another chance . If you succeed , you will be the proudest person in the world .
And lastly , one more piece of advice — a message that I found in a bookmark : “ Wherever you go , go with all your heart .” If that means that you are scared , but you know what to do , just jump into it . Take the risk . The fear will pass , and more good than bad things will come to you . I assure you of that . People will look up to you . People will admire you . But even better , people will look after you .
In the name of all these students graduating this morning , I thank the families , the faculty , the staff and friends that were there on this remarkable journey with each of us . Thank you very much , and congratulations to this graduating class . We made it . Thank you !
Taylor Downs , COC Summer 2020 Valedictorian
I know this day looks a little different than what we imagined , but regardless , this is a time to reflect on all our hard work and sacrifices we ’ ve made to get to this point . And I hope you are all incredibly , incredibly , proud of yourselves . While I ’ m honored and privileged to receive this recognition today , I want you to know that it doesn ’ t matter what your final GPA is . What matters is being able to help the sleep deprived mom with the colicky baby , or that gentleman with low back pain who can no longer play with his grandchild . Our patients aren ’ t going to care about our Part III Boards final score ; they just want to be loved and to be cared for .
And while it ’ s important to look back at all the knowledge we gained in the classroom , the real test is about to begin , which is to walk across this stage , serve our communities and just be the best doctors we can be .
The world needs us now more than ever , and there is truly no greater time to be a chiropractor . And at LIFE , we don ’ t just graduate with doctorates , we graduate with a mission to serve . Now the time has come for us to leave our little LIFE bubble behind , and as we move forward in this next chapter , my hope is that we all just continue to be relentless in our pursuit of purpose . There ’ s no doubt there will be changes and challenges along the way , but remember , excellence is never an accident ; it ’ s the result of hard work . And regardless of where we end up or how tough it might get , I encourage you to just always do your best in everything you do , no matter what .
I have no doubt at all that we are going to change countless lives . And just remember to trust the process and enjoy this journey we ’ re on because it ’ s only just beginning . So congrats graduates ! We did it ! Now let ’ s go out and change the world .
Note : At the time of publication , the Fall 2020 graduating class had not had a commencement ceremony , and the valedictorian had not been announced . We congratulate the Fall 2020 class for their remarkable achievements and will honor them in next year ’ s edition of Your Extraordinary LIFE .
Alumni . LIFE . edu | 2020
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