Firstly, I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate you all on this amazing achievement. Getting to this moment in an academic year which threw many challenges your way is not easy. It is no doubt a result of your hard work, determination and sacrifice. You should all be very proud of yourselves.

I remember lots of things about arriving in Preston in 2017.

It was raining. 

It was dark.

It was freezing. 

And it was absolutely terrifying. Because I didn’t know if I would fit in. 

Before you come to uni there’s all those reassuring articles you read about everyone being in the same boat, and everyone feeling nervous.

And maybe we all felt like this, but the fear that I could be here without really belonging here was almost too much to bear.

For some of us it was getting involved in a society that got us through.

For others it was the part time job, or the field trip, or the seminar group or the hall of residence that helped us feel a part of something.

For me it was sport - women’s football and women’s rugby - where I got the acceptance, the skills and the confidence to really grow as a person.

Now I would love to say it was the university that did that to me, or the students’ union that changed me.

And it is true, that without the buildings and the wifi and the timetables and the sports facilities, none of it would have happened.

But there’s nothing like a global pandemic to remind us what really makes the difference. 

Because when the buildings and the wifi and the timetables and the sports facilities are taken away, all we have left is eachother.

Its the student that encourages another student to join the club.

It’s the housemate that checks in on you to see if you’re OK.

It’s the coursemate that reassures you you’re on the right track.

We make this university. 

In 2017 I wasn’t sure if I belonged here. 

Now - here in 2021 - I still don’t think I belong on this stage, but I do think I belong at this university - my university - our university. 

And so whatever we do next, wherever we go to work or study or live, I want us all to do what you did for me.

Let’s develop the systems and structures that make disabled people feel accepted.

Let’s create the funding and programmes that mean people without masses of money or rich relatives can thrive at university.

And on this bright, warm and yes even dry day in Preston, let’s not just be pleased that we made it - let’s make sure that people that come after us can make it too.

I understand that the graduate world may seem like a scary place and you may not know what lies ahead but that is okay. You don’t have to have it all figured out just yet.

 Life has a way of changing and no matter what you decide for your next steps I have no doubt that you will all be amazing. Just remember to have compassion for yourselves and others.

There is no script to life,  take all the qualities you’ve learnt throughout your journey and continue to better yourselves each day.  There is no such thing as perfection and life is not a race.

You and you only have the power to dictate your life, just remember you’ve made it this far. When things seem scary or difficult just remember how far you’ve come already and there is no stopping you now.

Go and be amazing and continue to do yourselves proud.

Graduation is not the end, it is the beginning. I wish you all the best for the future and once again congratulations.