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Don’t allow others to define you. You've got to prove it. It’s okay not to be okay. It pays to be in front.

Four simple messages serving as lasting advice handed down by Keith Freeman Jr. ’01, healthcare administrator and educator, to this spring’s Class of 2025 First World graduates of Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg as the keynote speaker for the recent First World Graduation Ceremony by Bloomsburg’s Office of Multicultural Affairs.

“When you depart from campus, remember that someone needs to hear your story,” said Freeman, a Bloomsburg alumnus and First World graduate himself. “Your time here wasn't just for you to experience. Someone needs you. You got to tell them how to get through and how you overcame your obstacles.”

The bi-annual First World ceremony is celebrated each fall and spring to congratulate the academic achievements and leadership roles of Bloomsburg’s multicultural students at the baccalaureate and graduate degree levels.

Joining Freeman as speakers and presenters were Ralph Godbolt, Commonwealth’s director of diversity retention and outreach, Kenny Hall, Commonwealth’s interim chief diversity officer, and Madelyn Rodriguez, Commonwealth’s executive director of DEIB and multicultural affairs.

Freeman — an active Bloomsburg student as a football player, member of Kappa Alpha Psi, an Act 101 program assistant, and an orientation workshop leader — anchored his motivational message around four points of advice.

“You may be treated in a way that it’ll be non-verbally, but it still affects you,” Freeman said. “I want you to know that don't allow a person to define you or who you're made of. That's point number one.”

He continued, “Point two. You've got to prove it. Know that you may not be the CEO and a six-figure earner right out of college. I had the idea. I thought I would get my business administration degree, make about $100,000, and be the CEO and boss right off the bat.”

“That didn't work. I had a manager position at a very esteemed balloon party store. That was my first interaction. It really hit me, and I was like … man, this is crazy. But you got the shiny degree, and you're ready to go. I'm just going to tell you, relax. It's a journey … not a sprint.”

Point number three — it's okay not to be okay, according to Freeman.

“There will be times that everything and everything will be due. Adults can verify — those bills, those job reports, you're in grad school, things are due. Then you got birthday parties, you got your favorite outfit, you need dry cleaning done, you got to get this done, new unions of marriages, so then you got to go to the weddings.”

He added, “It sounds wild, however, what goes on in your mind sometimes as an adult you'll be overwhelmed. I'm here to tell you that it's okay not to be okay. Remember, your trusted circle that I mentioned, reach out to them. Let them know how you're feeling. Maybe a good meetup with your friends from Bloomsburg or back home will help you.”

Freeman concluded with a final fourth point — sometimes it pays to be in the front.

“So, I'm often told in classrooms and meetings or conferences, it's always to sit up front because of the culture. Sometimes it's cool to sit in the back. You can play around. You can be commenting while the person is talking. However, in my experience, I found out that sitting in the front really paid off. I've gotten way more about being involved and paying attention.”

“Let your light shine so that others can see. It's a reminder. You guys are flavor. You have your own seasoning. You have your own style. That's what the world needs right now. It needs you. All right? You want change? Be the change agent. Go make things happen.”

First World Graduates

• Matt Bengel
• Imani Chavarria
• Kyree Dingle
• Asriel Grimmage
• Sean Haus
• Scripture House
• Rahmayne Jackson-Bey
• Madison Johnson
• Manfred Kollie
• Salvatore LaMarca
• Tanaya Moore
• Aasim Muhammud
• Mia Perez
• Elisha Riley
• Yubeliz Sanchez
• Maeyelyn Acevedo Santiago
• Nadia Simon
• Jaleinda Thompson
• Tori Watkins