(BPT) - On Sunday, June 7, more than 2,000 graduates crossed the stage at the Rosemont Theater in Rosemont, Illinois. The celebration marked a milestone that represents far more than knowledge, it stands as powerful proof that resilience and sacrifice are at the heart of every achievement.
"Every one of our graduates has a unique story," said Elise Awwad, president and CEO of DeVry University. "But one thing they have in common is their dedication to their education and doing whatever it takes to make it a reality."
As they waited to receive their degrees, graduates heard from two inspiring classmates whose stories served as a powerful reminder that resilience and determination can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
A marathon, not a sprint
For Cosme Rios II, his Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology represents more than a decade of perseverance.
"My journey at DeVry actually started in 2013," noted Rios, DeVry University Class of 2026 undergraduate student speaker. As a father of seven and a Latino small-business owner, Rios has performed quite the balancing act to cross the finish line. "I completed my freshman year but chose to leave to focus on my kids. I came back to DeVry three years ago to finish my degree. Earning my bachelor's has been, by far, one of the most rewarding projects I've ever done."
Rios isn't the only one who faced speed bumps in their educational pursuits. Graduate commencement speaker Artisha L. Richey shared the personal trials that made earning her Master of Human Resources and a Certificate of Leadership all the more meaningful.
"During my educational journey, I had to contend with the death of my father and my own health issues," added Richey. "But these experiences also fueled my determination. Losing my father, it reminded me of the importance of pushing forward. Similarly, the challenges with my health tested my resilience, but proved to me that I'm stronger than I realized."
Sacrifices that mark a milestone
Pursuing a degree when you're also balancing work and a family requires not just resilience, but sacrifice and the determination to keep going.
"There were nights when I didn't feel like I had anything left to give," said Rios. "After a long day of work and responsibilities, I would stay up until midnight to do schoolwork, just to wake back up 5:30 a.m. to do it all again. It was all worth it to achieve my degree, but there's no way I could have done this alone. Whether they realize it or not, my family made those sacrifices with me. This degree may have my name on it, but it represents all the people who helped me achieve it."
Similarly, Richey had to give up personal moments to make her education a reality, a testament to her unwavering commitment.
"During the long periods I spent balancing work, school and personal responsibilities, I had to give up time with my family and turn down social events," Richey said. "But those sacrifices are also what drove me forward. I had to keep going, not just for myself, but also to honor those who supported me and inspired me."
Carrying the accomplishments forward
Through it all, Rios and Richey's sacrifices and resilience proved to them and their classmates what's possible.
"Just like parenting, pursuing my degree stretched my capacity," said Rios. "What felt impossible at the beginning became normal. Now, I'm thinking bigger about how I can keep growing, help others, and create more of an impact in my community through my business."
"It's truly an honor to stand before you, my fellow graduates, during such a pivotal moment in our lives," added Richey. "Just thinking about the journey we've all been on to reach this milestone fills me with excitement about what's possible when you don't stop."
To learn more about what's possible, visit DeVry.edu.