“The World Needs You”

As the Chair of the Board of Trustees of Westmoreland Community College, I give a speech at commencement. This year, not surprisingly, commencement is quite different than other years. 

Our messages will be “virtual” and conferring of degrees will look more like a “drive thru.” 

Because of the inability to really connect with people, and understanding the deep-seated fears of so many as they embark on a new journey, I felt the message I delivered must be both short and meaningful.  

Below is an excerpt. I hope this causes you to remember that “the world needs you,” too. 

“…The fact of the matter is that we have seen greater misfortune in our history, and have experienced both times of great calm and times of great upheaval. So even though what we are experiencing seems terribly abnormal, in the course of human history, it's part of the pattern.  

Seneca also said, “I judge you unfortunate because you have never lived through misfortune. You have passed through life without an opponent – no one can ever know what you are capable of, not even you.” 

Never doubt for a moment that you are being formed for greatness. It is only by adversity that we grow. You’ve experienced that firsthand as you’ve pushed yourself to learn and change during your time here at Westmoreland, despite the craziness and uncertainties.  

You’ve proven that you are ready for the next step, and the world needs you, your skills, your calm mind, and your tenacity now. Welcome to the next leg of your journey! Godspeed!”

LEIA SHILOBOD – CEO of InTech Solutions, author of Cyber Warfare: Protecting Your Business From Total Annihilation and The Three Indisputable Rules Every Manufacturer Must Know Before Purchasing Any IT Product or Service.

As a cyber security advisor, Leia speaks frequently at venues and events such as Harvard, Pennsylvania State Department events, and Accounting and Manufacturing industry events.

Also know as the “IT Princess of Power”, Leia saves mid-market firms from hackers and keeps them compliant by delivering enterprise-class IT security solutions that would otherwise be cost prohibitive.