"Relax and just take the best job that shows up until the job of your dreams shows up. My first job was pumping gas."
-MSc, '83
"What helped me the most was remembering that life is a process, not a pass or fail test. Mistakes are valuable learning opportunities, and it is important to always persevere toward your goals. Never give up."
-BA Commerce, '87
"Congratulations! You did it! Now you need to find the job of your dreams. I know when I got out of university I expected the best job ever, but it wasn't that easy. I accepted a lower paying job than I wanted, but at least I was working and learning. The more I learned the higher positions were offered to me until I reached the top of the ladder."
-BA (Hons), '80
"Love what you do. Do what you love. Have fun. Show it"
-BEd, '88
"You just spent two years bonding with some of your classmates. Stay in touch with them: they’ll become a valuable network going forward."
-BA (Hons) Public Policy & Administration, '88
"Congratulations, Class of 2026!! Never let anyone stop you from pursuing your dreams. Do what you love, and find happiness in your passion :)"
-BA (Hons) Childhood & Youth, '88
"Be open to change - Some things change but some things remain the same-"
-BSc Business & Philosophy, '23
"Congratulations on your graduation! A remarkable and very impressive achievement! May good health and good fortune follow you all your days."
-LLB & BA Economics, '83 & '84
"I wish you the very best in all your future endeavours. There is nothing you will be able to accomplish if you set your mind to it. Always remember that "perseverance is another word for success."
-PhD, '85
"Fact check everything you see or read, especially if you are going to repost and amplify the content. Everything. It takes seconds to verify a story and/or source and see if it is being circulated widely or just in some obscure media or meme."
BA Math and Computer Science, '84 & BA Psychology, '87
"I recall someone in their golden age suffering from a range of ailments. Everyday he'd have a four hour hook up at the local hospital before going about his day. In an exhausting battle and in spite of the pain he never missed daily gatherings with friends and colleagues. His motivation allowed him more years of life/joy than the average patient."
-BA Political Science, '86
"There is no more failure. All attempts are roots to success , if you make time to find out the reason for the failure and rectify it accordingly and be happy and patient to move forward."
-BA Administration & BA Finance, '81 & '83
"You have made your parents very proud, and you should be equally proud of yourself for your achievement! Your journey is now beginning so keep your focus, be positive, ignore the noise and remember to relax and enjoy life along the way."
BA Economics and Business, '88
"Your success in your career (and in your life) will come not solely from your degree, but from a combination of your degree, your skills, your experiences, and the university friends you have made. Cultivate them all, continuing to learn, and look for opportunities where strange combinations may meet the workplace's and society's needs."
MFA Theatre, '88
"The greatest skill I took away from university was the ability to solve problems through critical thinking. For myself, I found it actually took three years of physics courses before I felt competent and confident. Faced with today's rapid changes in the sciences, this is the one thing upon which you can rely. You can do it!"
-BSc Physics, '80
"Education is one of the most important factors in dealing with life and aspects of the world around us."
-MFA, '82
"It is all worth it. Carpe Diem."
-BA Sociology, '75 & BA (Hons) Sociology, '80
"While today may signify the end of your formal education, it is the beginning of a lifelong learning experience. Be open to new opportunities to learn about all that life has to offer. The best is yet to come!"
-BA Psychology, '85
"The toughest part of the challenges of your education at York is almost done now. Congratulations. All the studying you have put in including during study week (seriously) has now paid off- on your way to the stage to collect your scroll. This is the best and easiest part of the test. The tough ones are done and dealt with. So enjoy the walk!"
-BComm (Hons), '86
"Do not compromise your personal attributes or curiousity for sake of mere employment. On the contrary, leverage your education and attributes in combination in the pursuit of any endeavour. Enthusiasm revealed by the exercise of your personal temperaments will be a contagious advantage in any vocation or employment forum."
-MA Geography, '80
"Congratulations on your latest achievement; your Graduation from York University. Be assured that you have graduated from one of the finest universities in the world; be proud of it and also be grateful for the privilege of having attended this amazing university. And finally remember the motto Tentanda Via: "The way must be tried"."
-BA, '81 & BAS (Hons) Administrative Studies, '88
"Spend your time wisely, don't waste it on things that don't make a difference in your life or make it better. Love what you do and if you don't do something else. You have one life, live it to the fullest."
-BAS, '84
"As you begin the next phase of your journey, remember that the key to your future success will be in building relationships with the people you meet. Each individual will teach you something about yourself and introduce you to ideas you had not yet considered. Build strong connections throughout your adventures."
-BA Psychology, '81 & BA (Hons) Psychology, '86 & BEd, '93
"Never stop learning and expanding your horizons with a sense of enjoyment and passion for your chosen field."
-BA (Hons) Anthropology, '86
"One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is this: Everyone has a pearl to share. Some have more, some only have one. Make a necklace, a bracelet, an earring or pendant only you can craft it. Wear it , remember it and pass it on."
-BA Economics and Political Science, '89
"Proceed from here living by the FEARLESS principles and all will be good. Fun (keep having it). Effort. Attitude (positive). Respect. Love (& Loyalty). Education (keep learning). Service (customers/community). Savings (start now and learn about investing)."
-BA Psychology, '87
"You've achieved the pinnacle of the highest level of learning millions around the world envy and will sadly miss out due to the turmoil we're seeing around the world. You carry the dreams and hopes of these young adults on your shoulders. Use your knowledge for a better peaceful future."
-BComm Accounting, '82
"You are at a new juncture in your life. Always remember that titles and income do not define you. Your character, how you treat others especially those who work with and for you and those less fortunate together with your moral and ethical conscience is the mark you leave behind. Be the best kind of person you can be."
-MES, '82