Agustin “Gus” Morales III, M.Ed. '24 Addresses Student Body at Commencement 2024.

I dedicate this speech to two of the most influential figures in my life: my mother, who gave me life, and my incredible wife, who brought that life into sharper focus. This occasion also compels me to acknowledge the role of my students, my classmates, my professors, and everyone watching today. Our collective journey underscores the imperative that we must all lead by example, transforming our words into tangible actions. Much of what I do is for
my students, and I do it out in the open so that they may see me living my truth. My commitment to social justice both in and outside the classroom is not merely a professional stance but a personal creed. I strive to speak truths that challenge, inspire, and motivate us to pursue justice and equity, recognizing that while speaking out is seldom easy, it is invariably necessary.

It is with great humility and gratitude that I stand before you today. I stand before you not as a good man. Not as a bad man. But just a man. I am here not as a model of perfection nor as a flawed man, but as a person like any other, teeming with potential. This potential includes the capacity to make mistakes and the power to perform acts of significant kindness. My commitment to inclusivity in the classroom is a testament to this belief. By creating a space where every student feels valued and heard, we foster an environment ripe for mutual respect and learning. I believe that every interaction is an opportunity to advocate for an inclusive world, reflecting the diversity and richness of our shared human experience.

What does it mean to be a good person? This question often lingers in my mind. Although I may not hold all the answers, my experiences have taught me that our choices define us. Daily, we face decisions that can either contribute to the world’s woes or help mend its fractures. At Stonehill, I was encouraged to view these choices through a lens of social responsibility. The institution’s dedication to fostering leaders who are prepared to engage with a complex world has profoundly shaped my approach to teaching and living. By advocating for a world where love replaces hate, where kindness overcomes indifference, we walk a path illuminated by the values Stonehill has instilled in us.

There is a guiding principle, an axiom I have always held dear: “If we are not uncomfortable, we are not learning.” This principle has not only shaped my personal growth but has also been a cornerstone of my educational philosophy. At Stonehill, this idea was echoed in the classrooms and seminars where I learned to challenge both my classmates/professors and myself constantly. On social media, I once playfully quipped that my life’s goal was to “destroy the fence so that none may sit upon it”. In my commitment to dismantling the proverbial fence, I urge everyone to move beyond the sidelines, challenging neutrality and complacency in all its forms. This metaphor for confronting the status quo represents a broader commitment to engage actively in life’s complexities rather than observing from the comfort of a safe space; a luxury not afforded to all.

When we encounter the inevitable obstacles life throws at us, we are presented with several options: circumvent them, scale them, or, for the stubborn among us, smash right through them! My personal and professional life has been characterized by this tenacious approach—breaking down barriers not just for myself but for others. This ethos of perseverance is not about the path of least resistance but about creating pathways for all to follow. It’s about understanding the profound impact our choices have daily, even when we might not see their immediate effects. In this, I am reminded of the parable of a man who plants a tree knowing he will never benefit from the shade it will provide for future generations. Our words and actions ripple through our communities, often touching lives in ways we might not anticipate. As a teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how words can inspire a student to change their trajectory. We must, therefore, choose our words with care and commit to actions that uphold our collective welfare.

People often ask me why I chose teaching as my profession. The answer is both simple and profound: I believe fervently in the potential of this generation to shape a brighter future. My role as an educator is not just to impart knowledge but to empower young minds to harness their abilities for the greater good. This belief in the transformative power of education fuels my passion and reaffirms my commitment to this noble calling. Stonehill played a pivotal role in this realization, nurturing my aspirations and shaping my approach to teaching and life.

As we gather here today to celebrate our achievements and look toward the future, I am reminded of our shared responsibility and the boundless opportunities that arise from education and dedication. This is why I teach. This is why we persist in learning, growing, and striving for a better world together. Today, I leave you with thoughts of peace and love—realities that cannot exist without struggle. Therefore, I urge each of you to embrace your challenges, lean into them, and commit to being agents of change. Commit to doing good, commit to being present, and commit to making a real difference.

Congratulations to the Class of 2024!