Alex,

You are about to graduate from Campbell University. I cannot begin to explain ho proud I am of you. I like to think I know what you went through, but that would be an understatement. You have worked your tail off and you really do deserve it. I cannot do your story justice, but I can only try.

The Pharmacy program at Campbell or really any school is a vigorous course full of dedicated students. Those who find that Pharmacy is not for them end up switching majors. That is what Alex did. He was so sure in high school he wanted to do Pharmacy for a living. Around sophomore year it was not something he loved and switched his major to Psychology. He instantly fell in love with it.

That was a major obstacle for Alex to overcome. He ended up having to stay an extra semester due to the Pharmacy program in the beginning of his college career but that did not stop him. Then in Alex’s fourth year at Campbell he got some heart breaking news; his father was diagnosed with Glioblastoma. He was diagnosed right around when Alex had just started back school. His family and professors told him to just take the semester or year off. After much contemplation, he decided to stay in school. Alex pushed through some bad grades but ultimately came out with good grades at the end of the term. Everyone was so proud of him. The next semester was also very difficult, but Alex ended up getting all A’s and B’s. He proved those professors wrong who advised him to take some time off. You could tell he was so proud of himself.

His final semester approached. He ended up taking some really difficult Psychology classes. No surprise, Alex got all A’s and B’s for his last semester. He beat all the odds from what his professors had proposed. In a sense, Alex even surprised himself. He has been trying to recover from the strain that Pharmacy put on his student transcript, but he managed to pull it together.

Everyone is so extremely proud of you. You have exceeded everyones expectation. I know that your family is very proud of you. Your mom and dad especially are proud. I am beyond proud of you. We have talked about this day for over a year now, and look where we are. I have seen you struggle with some harsh grades, but I have also seen and celebrated those amazing grades with you. I was not there to see your story unfold from your freshman year to your senior, but I have seen how hard you have worked and the love and passion you exude for Psychology.

You never let a grade or professor define you. You deserve this diploma more than anyone. You have worked extremely hard and now it is time to watch you walk across that stage, shake hands with Dr. Creed, and grab your diploma. ConGRADulations Alex.