From graduation to "flying without a net".

With graduation season upon us, I've been reflecting on the past six months since my own graduation. It feels like a good time to share a text copy of my valedictorian speech—not just to share it, but also to remind myself of the messages I felt were so important. Those worth remembering, then, now, and whenever you have that niggling feeling of doubt.

"The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time." — James Taylor

1. Be present. Enjoy the moment.
2. Draw on your experience and use insights, learnings and confidence to take action.
3. Confront your fears and embrace a "growth mindset" or you could say a "kaizen mindset".
4. When you're stressed, remember to breathe, communicate, connect with your tribe, go back to basics... and remember how far you've come.
5. Embrace opportunities when they arise. Stay positive and patient when they don't.
6. Embrace challenges. Instead of avoiding difficulties, approach them with a positive mindset.
7. Chase those main-character vibes. Control your narrative and embrace your uniqueness.

Here's a copy of the speech in full.

[Note to self: Be Present. Enjoy It. Breath. Intonation]

Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Members of the University Senate, Guest Speaker, distinguished guests, and fellow graduates, ?

I’m Sophia Arkinstall, and it’s a real honour to stand here today, representing an extraordinary group of graduates.

Today, let’s embrace a universal truth: Success is not a solo journey.? ?

Instead, it's a collective effort - shaped by mentors, challenged by peers, and supported by our loved ones. Their words, “Trust the process" or "Don’t overthink it, go get it”. These have been our lifelines. To each supporter, thank you for your unwavering belief in us.???

I’ll never take my time at UQ for granted. We are fortunate to have had UQ as our playground!?

A place where we could. Jump high, try new things, and meet friends who would enrich our experience.?

If I fell from jumping high, doubted myself or had a niggling sense of imposter syndrome, I’d hear my father’s advice. “In this life of yours, when opportunities come - back yourself, and when they don’t, stay positive and be patient."

My drive to jump high comes from this belief: ? we ? have ? a? ? privilege.?

We’ve grown academically, personally and professionally.?

I?never knew,?boarding that flight to San Francisco earlier this year for the chance to experience start-up life in Silicon Valley, that my worldview would broaden as it did.?

I was comfortably in my dorky travel trousers, sporting my UQ Ventures hoodie with pride, my bag full of Australiana gifts, and a group of energetic peers were by my side.?

During the adventure, I’d make friends who would encourage me to “chase those main-character-vibes”. And I’d feel comfortable and gain confidence. Enough to do elevator pitches in front of strangers -? just for fun.?

We have all learned to confront our fears and jump. In San Francisco, they called this a "bias towards action”, favouring action over inaction.

Think back to whenever you’ve ventured into something new.?

In these instances, you embrace - thoughtful risk, a growth mindset, and audacity.?

The past is set in stone, or you could say “sandstone”.?With this strong foundation, we will leap into the unknown, creating our future, equipped not only with our education but the grit to persist, the agility to adapt, and the boldness to soar.?

With that, congratulations everyone!?

澳大利亚昆士兰大学 UQ Business School

Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjDh4qjytCU&t=69s

#uq #uqmba #uqbusiness #graduation #uqgraduation #alumni #mba #gradschool #masters #graduateschool #valedictoryspeech #valedictorian #flyingwithoutanet #maincharacter #growthmindset