Kaitlyn Rose McKenna, 21, of Deer Park, N.Y., is valedictorian of the Class of 2009. During the past four years, she has led a remarkable academic career. A member of the C.W. Post Honors Program, McKenna was only a freshman when she spent a summer studying in South Korea . As a sophomore, she interned with Senior U.S. District Judge Arthur D. Spatt. In her senior year, she earned a paid position on the staff of Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi. McKenna has risen to the top of not one academic departments but two, with a double major in political science and philosophy. For her Honors thesis, she tackled one of the most complex and sensitive situations in world politics: “North Korean Political Affairs as Impacted by Culture, History and Ideological Propaganda.” This fall, Kaitlyn will enter Hofstra Law School to pursue a career in international relations.

Her valedictory remarks follow:

Good morning faculty, administration, honored guests, alumni, students and the family and friends of C.W. Post's Class of 2009. 

Finally . Whether you have been looking forward to today for the past semester or the past four years, today is certainly a milestone for all of us.  While all of the 2,600 students receiving diplomas today have their own unique story about their years at Post, I equally attribute my academic accomplishments to the unconditional support of my parents and the cohesive educational environment provided by my professors. The approachable and helpful administration and faculty members have been more than willing to serve as mentors and have remained dedicated to us and furthering our educational enrichment in a variety of ways.

Mom- Happy Mother's Day and I want you to know I look up to you in many ways.  I can only hope to have a fraction of the kindness and patience you have.  Dad- You came with me to visit Post when I was in high school and encouraged me to go here. Thank you for everything you've done, if it meant just listening.  I am incredibly grateful for your advice and insistence that I follow my dreams. Casey and Dylan, I can always count on you both to cheer me up after a stressful day.  I would also like to thank my friends, from Post and from home, for making me laugh and being some of the greatest and most entertaining people I know.

In the words of President Barack Obama from his Inaugural speech earlier this year, “The world has changed, and we must change with it.” For those of you that attended Freshmen Orientation in 2005, the theme was The Game of Post.  In the game of life, we are dealt certain cards and have to make the most of various challenges and opportunities through our choices.  While attending Post, we have learned decision making and critical thinking strategies to assist us both as students, and more significantly, in the rest of our lives. Earning our degree, the awards we have been given, the activities we have participated in, and a resume listing accomplishments are just the first chapter. The issues we have overcome as students are preparing us for the obstacles that lie ahead both for ourselves and our nation. One of the things I hear the most about our generation today is that we don't care. We don't vote, and we don't get involved.  Well, this past November we proved everyone wrong and voted. Let's prove them wrong again by doing everything we can to shape the future of our country and our world. Post prepared us for professions of every kind- it is our privilege and responsibility to use this knowledge for good. 

While I found all of the professors at Post to be incredibly influential, there are a few that I would like to take this opportunity to thank today. Dr. Schmidt, Dr. Soupios, and Professor Rooney- you have all shaped not only my educational and career aspirations, but you have greatly influenced me as a person.  I deeply appreciate your advice and constant support over the past four years. One of my favorite parts of being a student here is having the ability to gain real world experience. During my freshman year, I was chosen by the Honors Program director, Dr. Joan Digby, to study at Keimyung University in Daegu , South Korea . Although my Korean didn't improve very much and I still haven't taken a liking to kimchi, studying abroad was an amazing experience that I could not have had without the assistance of the Honors Program. Dr. Roger Goldstein, the chairman of the Political Science & International Studies Department and our Platform Marshal, was able to assist me in completing internships with the Honorable Judge Arthur Spatt and Mayor Ralph Suozzi.

I'm a philosophy major, so bear with me on this one: Sir Francis Bacon one stated, “A wise man will always make more opportunities in life than he finds.”  For those of you who intend to continue your education or begin a career, I wish you the best of luck.  MAKE EVERYTHING OF IT . If you haven't already heard this many times during the past few months, I can guarantee you that today will be the start of a seemingly endless list of questions.  “What are you doing this summer?” “Have you been accepted to any grad schools yet?” “Where will you be in September?” “Have you gone on any job interviews?” These are just a few of the many, many things you will be asked, probably before you even leave campus today.  Try to be patient, answer politely.  For those of you who aren't sure which direction you want your life to take, I suggest you look at the next few months as the opportunity to discover who you are, what your talents are, and more importantly, what you are most passionate about.   

I am incredibly proud to have the privilege of being here with you today.  In just a little while we will all become alumni of Post, but the “Game of Post” will continue for future students and as we use our education and skills to give back to our communities and create change in the world.  Once again, congratulations to the C.W. Post graduating class of 2009