WGU Graduate Speaker, Dion Brown

<p>Saturday, November 3, 2018 WGU Commencement in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dion Brown earned his Bachelor of Science, Information Technology Management degree.</p> <p>Transcription of video:</p> <p>Dr. Allison Barber: Now we're going to hear from two of our student speakers, Michelle Shaffer and then Dion Brown. Please come share your journey with us.</p> <p>Dion Brown: Good morning. Thank you. My name is Dion Brown, and today is the day I've been waiting for. I've been waiting for this day for seven years. My first attempt at college ended after three semesters. I was a college drop out before my 20th birthday. I can attest that Western Governors University was just what I needed. They helped me graduate in less time, and with less debt than any other school that I considered. </p> <p>I stand before you today as a proud WGU night owl. My WGU story begins with being home on military leave for Christmas several years ago. I remember my father mentioning WGU's competency based model. From the way he described his WGU student experience, I could apply prior knowledge and work experience to complete my courses on my own schedule. His mind works the same way as mine. He likes WGU because he was able to move through his program quickly, and get back to other things such as running a thriving church. </p> <p>I reacted like I'm sure most of you did when you first heard about WGU, it sounded too good to be true. Even after this conversation, I still did not think about returning to school for several years. </p> <p>In 2016, while deployed in support of Operation Resolute Support to Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan, I found the fire within myself to return to school and finally obtain a bachelor's degree. If I could overcome all the challenges that come with being in a hostile land, away from friends and family, I could go back to school. </p> <p>I returned to the conversation with my father who had now completed his second degree with WGU. He reiterated that I could complete my bachelor's faster and more affordably than I would with other programs. This time the conversation stuck and I began the enrollment process with WGU. </p> <p>I hit the ground running with my degree program. I was pleased to find the curriculum I was engaged in at WGU was directly relevant to my profession. As I advanced in rank in my professional military education, the management techniques and theories I was studying at WGU helped me immensely. To this day I'm called upon for my skills I learned during my Information Technology degree as we work on projects around the office. </p> <p>My studies helped propel me to graduate Airmen Leadership School in the top ten percent of my class and be named a distinguished graduate. [Applause] Thank you. </p> <p>This professional military education coupled with the Information Technology Management degree through WGU prepared me to now lead and inspire the next generation of America's youth who decide to sign their name on the dotted line to serve their country. </p> <p>As active duty servicemen, in the United States Air Force, I travel quite a bit. But even during my travels, I was able to bring WGU with me. I was able to pass assessments on three continents. I was busy with courses while traveling the continent to United States, while exploring the beautiful country of Korea, and also exploring the rich history of France and Germany. I did all this while preparing for my future. </p> <p>Today, I have completed one degree from Western Governors University, and my father has finished his third. He's here with us today. Doctor Brown, would you please stand? [Applause] I am thankful for your wisdom and guidance, and I'm proud to follow in your footsteps. </p> <p>All right, where is the rest of the Brown family at? Can I get a shout? [Applause] Thank you guys for being here in attendance today. It means a lot. To my mentor, Jamie, thank you for being there for me throughout my degree program. Sometimes she had to reel me back in, and keep me on track to get here today. </p> <p>To my military family, who are sure to be watching on Facebook, thank you for either waking up early or staying up late to be here with me today, it means a lot. [Applause] </p> <p>I rely on each and every one of you as I continue with my graduate program and lay the roots for my future. WGU's competency based approach to coursework instilled a discipline in me that I did not know I had. Demonstrated by the fact I was able to transfer in with 17 credits, and finish in a year and a half. I am truly thankful for what this school has allowed me to accomplish. This is the education of the future. Congratulations to the Western Governors University class of 2018. I wish you the best in your future endeavors. [Applause]</p>