Edediong Ekarika, MD, MPH’s Post

Transcript

Thank you so much for that kind introduction. Greetings to all distinguished guests, faculty, staff. Alumni, friends and loved ones. My name is. A dead young Nicholas A Carica. I want to start by congratulating the class of 2024. I am deeply honored to stand before you today. To celebrate this milestone. I'd like to especially thank God my parents were watching online. Friends, mentors and loved ones. Without whom, I would not have made it thus far as an African immigrant, first generation medical doctor and now a public health professional. Thank you. Today we start a chapter in our lives, a dawn and regalia that symbolizes the accumulation of years of hard work, dedication and growth. Reflecting on our collective joining, I am reminded. Of the diverse path we have transverse to reach this point. My journey started in January 4th, 2022 during a pivotal conversation with my parent. I shared a burning desire to shift from clinical medicine to public health. My father expressed disbelief in his Nigerian accent. Asking. You don't want to be a doctor again. Why public health? Will this carrier solve the plenty plenty problems in Nigeria? I explained that so many broken system in our community needed hope. I spoke of the disparities and injustice we faced in our health care system. I concluded our conversation by reaffirming. That my purpose extended beyond serving the patient who came into the hospital seeking care. I want you all to take a second. And think about the pivotal moment or conversation or an idea that brought you to Rollins for a specific purpose. Over the past two years, many of us have been filled with emotions, uncertainties. And perhaps a feeling. Of out of place. Through the guidance of our family, advisors, faculty, and staff. And a brother campus community. Together, I believe we have discovered our sense of purpose. I mean, we engage with our peers. In and outside of the classroom. Dealing with courses like BIOS 500. I'm collaborating on research and non research project. Together, we cultivated a legacy at Rollins. One defined by compassion. Empathy and commitment to driving equity and justice in public health. I remember one of my conversation with Miss Joanne Williams. And she told me to make an impact beyond yourself. Focus on the people. Class of 2024. Withstand at a threshold of being the future leaders of public health. Whether as epidemiologist, policymakers, healthcare, executive and more. We hold the power to shape the destiny of our communities. But beyond all this titles lies a deeper calling. A. Calling to make a difference. To advocate for those who cannot. And thrive for equity and justice in all that we do. I believe this is the true essence of public health. Now more than two years. After all this pivotal moments that we've shared with our colleagues, family, faculty, staff. I ask you. What has your experience at Rawlins sparked within you? What does that cause you are more passionate about? What is that dream you wish to fulfill? As we embark on this phase. We must never forget the power within us. There will be challenges, I promise you. But let your mission and your individual purpose be your guide. Show up. Move with compassion and be the change that you desire. Together. We will shape. A healthier and more equitable future. So please, do me a favor. Turn to your neighbor beside you, class of 2024. And say our time has come. I cannot hear you. Our time has come. Class of 2024, Congratulations to you. The world awaits your brilliance, compassion and innovation. We made it.