Boston University Commencement 2018: Student Speaker Yasmin Younis

TL;DR

The speaker shares her personal journey of self-acceptance and reclaiming her name while highlighting the importance of embracing one's true identity.

Transcript

I now present Ms. Yasmin Younis, a senior who will receive her bachelor degree from the College of Communication, who will speak on behalf of the class of 2018. Ms. Younis. Thank you President Brown. It is an honor to be here today, especially speaking alongside civil rights icon John Lewis. Mr. Lewis, you are the man. Hello! Ahlan wa Sahlan! Welc... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤳 Embracing one's true identity and reclaiming one's name is a powerful act of self-acceptance.
• ♻️ Being part of a diverse environment fosters personal growth and understanding.
• 🤳 Struggles and challenges contribute to personal resilience and self-discovery.
• 👳 An urban institution like BU provides unique opportunities that are invaluable for personal and professional development.
• 📛 Names carry cultural significance and can empower an individual's sense of identity.
• 😑 Self-expression can become a valuable asset in various fields and professions.
• 🖐️ Support systems, including friends and family, play a crucial role in one's journey towards self-acceptance.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Uzo Aduba's name reclamation story inspire the speaker?

Uzo Aduba's story resonated with the speaker as it encouraged her to reclaim her own name, realizing that others can pronounce it correctly and that she should be unapologetically herself.

Q: How did the speaker's parents influence her journey towards self-acceptance?

The speaker's parents instilled a sense of pride and connection to their heritage through her name, imbibing cultural identity and significance, which played a crucial role in her journey towards self-acceptance.

Q: How did attending BU contribute to the speaker's personal and professional development?

BU provided the speaker with a diverse and supportive environment that allowed her to explore her self-expression and turn it into a valuable skill set for her future career.

Q: How did the speaker view the struggles and challenges faced during her time at BU?

The speaker recognizes that struggles are an integral part of personal growth and that overcoming them adds depth and meaning to one's journey, leading to self-transformation.

Key Insights:

• Embracing one's true identity and reclaiming one's name is a powerful act of self-acceptance.
• Being part of a diverse environment fosters personal growth and understanding.
• Struggles and challenges contribute to personal resilience and self-discovery.
• An urban institution like BU provides unique opportunities that are invaluable for personal and professional development.
• Names carry cultural significance and can empower an individual's sense of identity.
• Self-expression can become a valuable asset in various fields and professions.
• Support systems, including friends and family, play a crucial role in one's journey towards self-acceptance.
• Overcoming obstacles can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker, Yasmin Younis, reflects on her journey of self-acceptance, from being uncomfortable in her own skin to embracing her cultural background and name.

• Attending Boston University (BU) provided the speaker with opportunities to learn and grow, leading to her transformation and self-sufficiency.

• The struggles faced during her time at BU, such as adjusting to a new climate and facing academic challenges, contributed to her personal growth and resilience.