WORCESTER—Massachusetts State Senator Robyn Kennedy, who was born and raised in Worcester, addressed Quinsigamond Community College’s 1,244 graduates on Friday as the keynote speaker of the college’s 59th commencement ceremony.
Kennedy emphasized the significant contributions QCC graduates have made to their local communities, despite facing numerous challenges during their higher education journey, such as juggling multiple jobs or raising families. She highlighted that these contributions have been particularly crucial in recent years, as many students have become, or will become, frontline and essential workers.
“Graduates, you are the best of Worcester,” she said. “You crossed rivers, mountains, oceans and 290 for the promise of this day. What defines your character is the notion that good enough is simply not good enough.”
As a former YWCA employee, Kennedy acknowledged the importance of collaboration and noted that while graduates will encounter new societal challenges, they have an even greater opportunity to make a positive impact.
“Only by supporting each other can we survive and can we thrive,” Kennedy told the audience. “You are truly our leaders and the leaders our community needs because you have consistently shown up. Remember…we can always find solutions to the hard problems and you are now among the best equipped to find those solutions. You are what our world needs now. I’m calling on you to forever be better than good enough.”
QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja praised the graduates for their resilience and growth, highlighting their perseverance regardless of their circumstances. He also mentioned that, after graduation, they can continue to rely on QCC’s robust alumni network for support, community, and guidance.
“Community college graduations hold a special significance, for they represent the triumph of perseverance over adversity,” Pedraja said. “As you cross this stage today, you carry with you the hopes and dreams of your families and your communities, and indeed, of our entire society. You are the embodiment of resilience, the epitome of determination and the promise of a brighter future for us all.”
Student Government Association President Dignamar Figueroa also shared her story of returning to school after a decade of working and being a mother to two young daughters.
She explained that it wasn’t an easy transition, especially after experiencing homelessness at the start of her first semester and not wanting to ask for help. But over time, she realized that it’s ok to be vulnerable and it was crucial to prioritize her mental health.
“No matter where you came from or what you went through, you made it to this moment, your college graduation. You should be so proud of yourself,” said Figueroa. “We all come from various walks of life and backgrounds, but we are not as different as we think. We are all a part of the QCC community.”
Send news releases to Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
