05/12/2026
We can't believe our graduates are now off blazing their own trails! Congratulations! It was amazing watching their commencement last Wednesday and getting to hear from our valedictorian, Johana Florian. Here is her speech.
“Throughout my time here at Utah Tech, I have had the opportunity to become a lifelong learner, build character, and make relationships that will last a lifetime. And maybe even learn how to survive on very little sleep. I’ve been amazed at how much each of us have grown and changed during our time here. Not only through our own hard work and dedication, but also through the people who have entered our lives and shaped our experiences. Now the question becomes how do we move forward into the unknown? How do we know you won’t fall? How do we know we won’t get lost? The answer is we don’t and maybe that’s okay. It’s okay to not know exactly what happens next. It’s okay to improvise, to explore, and to discover life and all its possibilities. It’s okay to be curious and not have a charted course.
“I want to relate this idea back to an experience I had in Brazil. I had the opportunity to go on a study abroad trip there last summer and this semester to learn and train in a martial arts dance form called capoeira. In capoeira, there is a saying that translates ‘to fall into a role.’ During the game, two players move in the middle of the roda, the circle. They kick, dodge, or use acrobatics along with basic moves called the ginga. This game is completely improvised. Only five body parts should touch the ground: two hands, two feet, and the head. Even if you lose balance and begin to fall, you are taught not to collapse flat on the ground but to roll out of it. You might be wondering, what does this have to do with graduation? Well, life is a lot like the two players in the roda; improvised and unpredictable. During our time here, we have built the foundation and developed the skills and strength we needed to step into the next chapter of our lives. But just like in the roda, you will face moments of imbalance and adversity and when those moments arise, you will have to make a choice. There will be times when life knocks us down due to circumstances, decisions, situations, relationships, or events we’ve never expected.
“The question is what will we do when that happens? Will we fall flat and give into hopelessness and frustration or will we roll with it, adapt, learn, and come back even stronger than before? Although it may seem like we are alone in the roda, playing one against one, we are actually surrounded by others. The roda is made up of other capoeiristas, some playing instruments, others clapping and singing, they keep the rhythm, the energy, and the life of the game going. Every person in that circle is important. Each has a role. In fact, a roda cannot exist with just one person. What I mean is this, you do not have to face the unknown alone. We were never meant to journey through life completely by ourselves. We are meant to share our journey with others through seeking help, encouragement, reassurance, and inspiration from those around us. The relationships we have built here and the ones we will continue to build help shape who we will become. The people we meet whether they stay for a single chapter or for the entire book, will influence our lives and the stories we will one day share. The stories we will share will reflect who we are, what we value, and the people who have left a mark on our lives.
“As we close this chapter and begin the next, take a moment to remember your stories. The ones told to you, the ones you shared, and the ones you became a part of. Every story has become a part of who you are. Remember the moments that made you laugh, cry, or jump for joy. The moments that melted your heart or filled you with pride. Take those memories with you as you step into the next chapter of your life. One day you may sit down with a future roommate, a new friend, or someone you love and begin sharing those stories that helped shape who you became. So never stop listening to stories, never stop sharing them, and never stop creating new ones. Keep turning the page, even when adversity has filled this chapter and never stop connecting with and loving the people you have met and the many more have yet to meet because like the players in the roda, life will never stop moving. So when you lose your balance, don't be afraid to fall. Simply remember to roll with it.”
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