Transcript
0:00 to hear from someone who will be entering this next phase of life has completed his degree in political science with a minor in economics and a stellar grade point average of 3.88 he is a member of numerous honor societies and is also the recipient of the edward weissman award for distinguished
0:30 achievement in political science sean's passion is politics as shown by his academic achievements and extracurricular involvement he was president of the binghamton university college democrats and has served as vice chair of the student association's elections committee and student representative on the campus legislative branch of government
1:01 sean will continue his pursuit of a political career by attending the university of florida law school in the fall i am sure that he will sustain his reputation for excellence in the future it is with great pleasure that i introduce to you this morning mr sean leibowitz this student speaker
1:42 many remarkable things have happened over the past four years but i don't think anything comes close to seeing all of my fellow students up before noon on a sunday looking back it's hard to believe how quickly our college years went by if we really stop to think how we all evolved over our time
2:15 at binghamton it's quite incredible on august 24th 2000 i walked nervously with my head down onto campus to start a new life if you would have told me then that i would be speaking at commencement i would have literally said you are insane
2:48 little did i know that my experiences at this university would have molded me into the person i am today living with a complete stranger meeting and bonding with people from diverse walks of life establishing a fervent relationship with professors going to cheers on thursday nights
3:23 having a debate in class staying up until the sun rises and waking up when it's already night leading a group on campus raising your hand in lecture hall one having your first meal of the day at 2 pm becoming friends with someone you hated
3:55 making a real difference in the community these are the experiences that have significantly changed each and every one of us our undertakings at binghamton university will never leave us because they are what made us who we are today now it is rare that one gets to address over
4:25 6 000 people on such an occasion i would like to take the time to thank three individuals in my life as if it was not for them i would not be speaking before you this morning the real reason i am here today is because of my mom my dad and my brother whether
5:03 whether it was them giving me mock spelling tests in middle school every thursday night so i would ace the actual exam on friday driving me at dawn to extra help in high school listening to me scream and shout after getting my first college test back a c or supporting and advising me throughout my entire life it's my
5:36 family who is ultimately responsible for who i am today please join me in showing appreciation for our loved ones who have profoundly impacted us all in closing my obsession howard dean always says
6:09 you have the power this is exemplified not only in the political arena but is also manifested in everyday life my mom always tells me as long as you can honestly say that you gave it 100 you should be proud of your endeavor regardless of the outcome so
6:39 class of 2004 live your life with no regrets always be the best you can be thank you and congratulations