Congratulations and welcome to the alumni community! You’re joining an incredible group of over 380,000 changemakers. A group that strives for positive change and to make an impact in their local and global communities. The alumni that you joined as you walked across the stage at convocation have been supporting you every step of the way through your journey at York and will continue to be by your side as you work together to right the future. Many alumni recently submitted Words of Wisdom to share with you as you graduate. These notes are just one of the many ways in which our alumni support you and your success.
The following are just some of the many submissions we received when we asked alumni to share their advice for the class of ’25. Please take these words of wisdom and the knowledge that you have this group standing with you as you build your future with York pride.
"Stay open to new - and perhaps scary - ideas and challenge yourself to move out of your comfort zone."
-BFA, '71
"Grades fade, skills stick. Learn the why, not just the how. You have to fail a couple times. That’s where the real learning happen."
-BEng (Honours), '24
"Rest is not earned by overworking yourself. Asking for help is not a weakness. You do not outgrow self-doubt, you just get better at moving through it- You are far more capable, resilient, and prepared than you realize."
-BSc, Psychology, '20
"Looking back at graduation, the one piece of advice I wish I'd truly internalized was simply: go for it. Don't let the fear of a "no" hold you back, especially when it's the worst that can happen."
-BA (Honours), '96
"Never underestimate the power of your university education. The people you have met, the ideas that you have been exposed to will continue to feed your soul."
-BA (Honours), '73
"The world will try to make you efficient. Be human instead. Bring kindness into rooms that lack it. Your title won’t define you. Your character will. Show up. Stay curious."
-BDes (Honours), '11
"Let this moment be your mirror and your map. Look back with gratitude—each step has brought you here. Now, look ahead with courage. Dare to imagine a life that excites you, a future that feels like home before you arrive."
-MA, Information Systems & Technology, '24
"You have been well prepared for what lies ahead. As you move forward, stay positive and rely on your lessons learned to overcome any obstacles."
-BA, Psychology, Kinesiology, '80
"Human connections will carry you further than you think. Reach out to people who are doing the stuff you want to do even if you have no prior connection whatsoever."
-PhD, '24
"Never Stop Learning. Graduating doesn’t mean the learning stops. The world is changing quickly, and continuous learning is a powerful tool. Being a lifelong learner will keep you adaptable and ready for anything!"
-BA, Psychology, '23
"York university has successfully taught you to go and conquer the world. You are your own limitation, if you believe it, you will achieve it. Congratulations to everyone one!"
-BA, Law & Society, '22
"Your degree isn’t just a credential—it’s a launchpad. Your greatest skill is the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn. The world needs your voice, your vision, your courage. You’ve got what it takes. Go make waves!"
-BA, BEd, '95
"As you step into this new chapter, remember that life rarely follows a straight line. Stay flexible. Say "yes" to opportunities, even the ones that don't exactly match the title on your degree. Have fun, your best is yet to come."
-BA (Honours), Kinesiology, '06
"Congratulations on the successful completion of your program! As you welcome a new chapter in your life journey, pause and reflect on all you've accomplished. You did it! Now it's time to turn the page..."
-BA, Communications Studies, '16
"Trust that the credential you received from York University will open countless opportunities when you step out into the world after graduation!"
-BCom (Honours), Administrative Studies, '05