Greetings!

To our friends and family watching at home, our amazing staff, treasured alumni, and to the diligent class of 2021! My name is Tobalase Apata, and I am deeply honored to be a graduate of this program, as it taught human biology in a holistic way. To study human biology is to study the environment around us, and its impact on our genetic composition. The body is a multidimensional unit that has different functions for different situations.Though we are made up of a range of things, our bodies always seek homeostasis. Balance is an innate need. Finding that equilibrium is necessary for grounding ourselves, so that we can go out in the world and change it for the better. After years of studying the importance of balance from within, we must go out and live lives that mirror these teachings. The beautiful thing about balance, is that it's ours to make, which means it's always possible to attain. As we each step out into our specially-designed journeys, please always remember to check your mental gas tank. Do not get used to driving on empty, because that will only slowly deteriorate your engine. I am here to remind you all to water and nurture every aspect of yourself. We are often told to aim to die empty, because we've given the world all we have in us. However, I must remind you all that sharing our gifts does not equate to losing our minds. We are the architects of the future. The tools and resources are in our hands. Instead of feeling overwhelmed from being young with great responsibility, shift your thoughts to view it as being young with great power. We finished out college amid a global pandemic. Is that not the epitome of strength, diligence, and power? Every one of us plays an influential role in what tomorrow looks like. I am here today to tell you all to explore yourselves, and all your different dimensions. You cannot utilize what you don't recognize is there. Your gifts are unique to you and the world needs what you have to offer. The definition of absurdity is wildly unreasonable or illogical. Fellow graduates, activate your absurdity, and I mean this metaphorically. I cannot name someone who is where they wanted to be, who wasn't a tad bit wildly unreasonable about their goals and dreams. No one sees what you see, even if they see it too, because your perception is your superpower. As we embark on our adventure to reach our goals, there will be times where we will be the only ones able to see our vision. Your grand ideas may seem irrational to some; do it anyway. Preparation is useless if your execution is mediocre, and your follow through is the lingering image of your plan and execution. We control if we're proud of the images we see. You are vast; pursue multiple things. You are deep, so there are no limits to your capabilities. The wise Lauryn Hill stated, "We cannot plan life. All we can do is be available for it." Now, I am in no way saying live life without direction. Instead, I am saying plan in pencil. Be flexible for the places life will take you, and for the times life will stretch you out. Do not let regret mutate into guilt, and keep you stagnant in a season of life. Plot twists, hurdles, and re-routes are inevitable. However, so are blessings, joy, and new beginnings. As homeostasis is a natural, self-regulating process, rest assured that life will work itself out, and you will end up where you want to be if you do your part. Thank you to our support systems that came in the forms of parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and staff. We appreciate your encouraging words and the sacrifices made to get us through. Class of 2021, congratulations again! Step out of this stage with your head high and your heart strong. Think bigger than big, and know that the sky's only the beginning, not the limit.

Thank you.