“Be a Part of Your College”: Jacob Wang’s Convocation Speech
The first days of college can bring excitement, uncertainty and plenty of questions about what comes next. During this year’s Convocation, Student Government Association President Jacob Wang welcomed USJ’s newest students and shared advice based on his own experience at the university.
Wang encouraged students to take an active role in their college experience, step outside their comfort zones and give themselves room to grow and change. He also emphasized the importance of finding a sense of belonging and remembering that USJ is more than a place to earn a degree. It is a community.
Read Wang’s full Convocation speech below:
Good afternoon, everyone.
First, I want to welcome you to the University of Saint Joseph. My name is Jacob Wang, and I have the honor of serving as your Student Government Association President.
Standing here today, I can’t help but think about what it felt like to be in your position. Starting college is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. You’re entering a completely new environment, meeting people you’ve never met before, and beginning a chapter of your life that you really don’t know much about yet.
If I could go back and give my first-year self one piece of advice, it would be this:
Don’t just go to college. Be a part of your college.
It’s very easy to go to class, go back to your room, do your work, and repeat that routine every day. I know I have! But some of the most meaningful parts of my experience at USJ have happened outside of the classroom.
I met people I never would have met otherwise. I took opportunities that pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I became involved in the USJ community, and eventually, those experiences led me to where I am today—standing in front of you as your SGA President.
My point is, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there!
Some of the people you meet during your first few weeks here could become lifelong friends. Some of the opportunities you take a chance on could completely change your college experience. You never know what one conversation, one event, or one “yes” might lead to.
I also want you to remember that you don’t have to have everything figured out right now.
When I first came to college, I certainly didn’t have my entire future planned out. And honestly, you shouldn’t expect yourself to either. College is a time to learn, not just academically, but about yourself. Your interests might change. Your goals might change. The person you are four years from now may be very different from the person standing here today.
And that’s okay.
Give yourself the freedom to grow.
Finally, I want you to remember that USJ is not just a place where you are going to earn a degree. It is a community, and you are now a part of it.
As SGA President, one of the things I care most about is making sure students feel like they have a voice and that they belong here. So don’t be afraid to get involved, speak up, ask questions, and make this university your own.