Senior Mohammad Samra had pledged to skip his own graduation ceremony. Several weeks later, in his cap and gown, he found himself recording his address as the 抖阴短视频 student graduation speaker.
As a journalism student, Samra has already written stories for a broad audience. In 2019, with professor John Fountain, he traveled to D.C. to report on an anti-gun violence rally. He also wrote a column for the remembering 51 murdered women.
For Samra, his graduation address was a chance to share something deeply personal. The Roosevelt journalism student wrote about his decision, and his change of heart, in the student newspaper.
鈥淔or most of my life, I鈥檝e lacked a voice,鈥 Samra said. 鈥淢y speech will provide me a platform I鈥檝e only seen in my dreams. It is my opportunity to represent everyone who stood by my side along my journey.鈥
Samra was born and raised in Cicero, Illinois. More than his successes, the journalism major says, he wants his speech to honor the challenges he has faced and overcome.
鈥淭hough I鈥檓 grateful for my triumphs at Roosevelt, I鈥檓 just as grateful for every failure I鈥檝e endured,鈥 said the journalism graduate. 鈥淭hrough failing, I鈥檝e learned how to appreciate success.鈥
Samra spent many nights up studying in his parents鈥 unfinished basement, then napping on the Metra stairs in between classes and his shifts at a United Parcel Service facility. As a college student, Samra has also dealt with loss: his younger brother in 2019 and his best friend, Fabian Ortega, in July 2020.
He sees his Commencement address as an opportunity to be a role model for other students who are struggling with self-doubt or setbacks.
Samra plans to tell his classmates, 鈥淭here鈥檚 no shame in weakness or failure. Embrace your mistakes because they will be the first steps in your triumphant journeys.鈥
抖阴短视频 will host two virtual Commencement ceremonies on May 7, at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
BA IN JOURNALISM AND MEDIA STUDIES
The Bachelor's in Journalism and Media Studies degree is a mix of hands-on professional courses and theoretical courses. Students in the journalism concentration study course work in online, broadcast and print journalism to prepare for work in today's multimedia news environment. Learn more.