Commencement Address - May 2021

Commencement Address - Tobalase Apata

Prelude:

I am a tree,
planted in love and rooted in integrity.
My layers and rings are used to log the experiences accumulated over time.
And my scars are the carvings of the lessons that life said were mine.
My hope stems from the sun I see in the beauty of life.
My tough exterior was grown to stand against weathering, stress, and strife.
I am a tree; but so are you.
Anchored by the Love of God,
Crowned with branches made to bear fruit.
The rain can't soil me, because I use the puddles as a mirror to grow.
And I just had to let you all know.

Tobalase Apata