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When Adrielys Gómez �Ӱ�ԭ��22 was new to the University of New Haven, she �Ӱ�ԭ��found a home�Ӱ�ԭ�� in the University�Ӱ�ԭ��s Myatt Center for Diversity and Inclusion. Passionate about supporting and inspiring her fellow Chargers, she offered encouragement to her classmates as part of the University�Ӱ�ԭ��s Celebration of Excellence.

A diversity peer educator for the Myatt Center and a proud first-generation student, Gómez became the first member of her family to earn a college degree when she accepted her bachelor�Ӱ�ԭ��s degree in economics at Spring Commencement. As part of her remarks at the Celebration of Excellence, she urged her classmates to take risks.

�Ӱ�ԭ��Don�Ӱ�ԭ��t let imposter syndrome get in the way of your accomplishments,�Ӱ�ԭ�� said Gómez, who hails from Puerto Rico. �Ӱ�ԭ��Don�Ӱ�ԭ��t be afraid to try new things �Ӱ�ԭ�� to apply to a job, to live in the city you�Ӱ�ԭ��ve always wanted to live in. You are not an imposter. You can accomplish anything you put your mind to.�Ӱ�ԭ��

�Ӱ�ԭ��With vulnerability comes power�Ӱ�ԭ��

A University tradition, the Celebration of Excellence celebrates and recognizes the accomplishments of multicultural students and those from underrepresented backgrounds �Ӱ�ԭ�� such as first-generation students and those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) �Ӱ�ԭ�� and their contributions to the University community.

�Ӱ�ԭ��This is a celebration of excellence for a reason,�Ӱ�ԭ�� said Sofia Martinez �Ӱ�ԭ��22, a first-generation student, communication major, and president of the Undergraduate Student Government Association. �Ӱ�ԭ��It takes strength every day to be in the space we�Ӱ�ԭ��re in. A lot of us look at the big picture of what we want to do, but sometimes it takes a very small step to get there.�Ӱ�ԭ��

As part of the celebration, students and staff spoke to members of the Class of 2022, offering their words of advice and encouragement.

�Ӱ�ԭ��Your experiences deepen your knowledge and expand your horizons,�Ӱ�ԭ�� said Ophelie Rowe-Allen, Ed.D., dean of students and chief student affairs officer. �Ӱ�ԭ��I hope you�Ӱ�ԭ��ll share your story. It is an act of vulnerability, and it can be scary, but with vulnerability comes power. There will be roadblocks, but obstacles and regrets don�Ӱ�ԭ��t have to stop you.�Ӱ�ԭ��

�Ӱ�ԭ��You can make a difference in the world�Ӱ�ԭ��

The ceremony included an inspirational keynote speech from Ivy Watts �Ӱ�ԭ��15, a former standout on the who earned a bachelor�Ӱ�ԭ��s degree in psychology from the University. Now a full-time motivational speaker and blogger, she is an ardent mental health advocate.

Watts, who joined the ceremony virtually from her home in Massachusetts with her four-month-old daughter, congratulated students and shared her own story. As a Charger, despite her success on the track and in the classroom, she struggled with anxiety and depression. Despite graduating with accolades, she felt like she wasn�Ӱ�ԭ��t good enough, and she felt guilty.

After earning her master�Ӱ�ԭ��s degree in public health from and working for what was then , a nonprofit based in Boston, she started her own business. Four years later, her motivational speaking business, , and her blog, , are thriving. A sought-after public speaker, she travels the country to speak to audiences that include students, athletes, and parents.

�Ӱ�ԭ��I was empowered by my experiences at the University of New Haven to leave my job and create my own business,�Ӱ�ԭ�� she told students. �Ӱ�ԭ��When I changed my major to psychology, I learned to pivot, and that helped me later on. It is an honor to come back to the University to tell my story. I take every opportunity to give back to the school that changed my life.�Ӱ�ԭ��

�Ӱ�ԭ��The importance of this moment�Ӱ�ԭ��

Encouraging students to prioritize their own mental health and well-being, Watts said she is grateful to now be having more open conversations about mental health �Ӱ�ԭ�� something that, even in the recent past, was not often discussed. She encouraged members of the Class of 2022 to make their well-being a priority �Ӱ�ԭ�� offering them affirmations that she encouraged them to use each day.

�Ӱ�ԭ��Remember, �Ӱ�ԭ��I am worthy,�Ӱ�ԭ�� �Ӱ�ԭ��I am capable,�Ӱ�ԭ�� and �Ӱ�ԭ��I am good enough,�Ӱ�ԭ���Ӱ�ԭ�� she encouraged. �Ӱ�ԭ��The power of positivity is incredible. Also, you can make a difference in the world.�Ӱ�ԭ��

Mya Oliwa �Ӱ�ԭ��23, president of the University�Ӱ�ԭ��s First-Generation Student Association, echoed Watts�Ӱ�ԭ��s words of encouragement as she offered her support to her graduating classmates.

�Ӱ�ԭ��Don�Ӱ�ԭ��t be afraid to do something new,�Ӱ�ԭ�� she said. �Ӱ�ԭ��You never know when opportunity will await you. It is also okay to take a break. Your mental health matters.�Ӱ�ԭ��

As part of the ceremony, graduating seniors were recognized by name, and they received pins. Carrie Robinson, M.S., director of the Myatt Center and a first-generation student, acknowledged the challenges students have faced outside the classroom �Ӱ�ԭ�� from violence across the country to COVID-19. She praised the Class of 2022 for their accomplishments and urged them to celebrate everything they have achieved.

�Ӱ�ԭ��The faculty and staff here understand the importance of this moment,�Ӱ�ԭ�� she said. �Ӱ�ԭ��We celebrate with you, and we congratulate you.�Ӱ�ԭ��