UMD Graduate’s View: Celebrate the unexpected with the class of 2025 – Duluth News Tribune

For many of us, our time at the University of Minnesota Duluth was filled with moments in Canal Park, walking along the lake, watching the ships come and go, trying new restaurants, swimming in the freezing lake, or coming to the lakefront for a hockey game. The place is filled with connections, stories, and memories. And so it feels fitting that we gather there one last time as students to celebrate our graduation.

As I reflected on my time at UMD and thought about what to share with my fellow graduates, one word kept coming to mind: unexpected. For me, it’s a word that describes the journey — and I imagine it might for many others, too.

When we first arrived on campus, we carried with us ideas about how our journey would unfold. In some ways, those ideas played out exactly how we expected. Mostly, though, we were stepping into a whole new world. The sheer number of activities, clubs, and opportunities was overwhelming. Everywhere we turned, there were new faces to meet and new decisions to make. The beginning of our college journey surprised us in exciting and unexpected ways.

As we settled into our new environment, we began to form new passions, hobbies, and interests. We formed lifelong friendships that began in the most random ways. And we experienced moments of growth that came from challenges we didn’t see coming, like an especially tough class, a personal setback, or simply learning to navigate life on our own.

Some of the most meaningful moments for me were ones I never expected. From a required internship that turned into one of the most impactful summers of my life, one that ultimately led me to discover my passion for public health and improving access to health care, to a professor treating us to Bulldog Pizza after an especially tough semester. And then there was the professor who became my greatest mentor, guiding me when I needed it most: Dr. Kask supported me as I redefined my goals, helping me take my next steps, writing letters of recommendation for grad school, and encouraging me every step of the way. These unexpected moments shaped my journey, and I know many of my fellow classmates have their own moments that shaped theirs.

If there is one thing college taught me, it’s that life rarely goes exactly as planned. And that’s not something to fear; rather, it’s something to celebrate. The unexpected is where growth happens, where opportunities arise, and where we find out who we are.

So, to my fellow graduates, as we leave this campus, I encourage you to embrace the unexpected. When you do, you’ll find yourself living fully in the moment, present, adaptable, and ready for whatever comes your way. I also challenge you to be unexpected. Do the unexpected for others and for the world, because those moments have the power to inspire, uplift, and create change.

Let’s approach the future with curiosity, courage, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected moments ahead. It’s often those moments that we find our greatest opportunities and create our most meaningful memories.

Congratulations to the class of 2025!

Sydney Tomes of Minnetrista, Minnesota, is graduating from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a bachelor of applied science degree with a double major in exercise and rehabilitation sciences and public health and a minor in health and wellness coaching. She plans to pursue a master’s degree and then work in health care administration or public health policy. Tomes and Grace Lynch are student speakers for UMD’s Saturday, May 10, commencements at Amsoil Arena.