White Coat Ceremony 2019

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[CROWD CHATTER] Here we go. Good afternoon. Good afternoon. Welcome, everyone. For those of you just arriving, I'm Ed Hundert, the Dean for Medical Education. I am delighted to welcome you all to the 2019 Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Dental Medicine White Coat Ceremony. [CHEERING] Now, I want to start by thanking Rosa Solare and everyone in the Office of Student Affairs at both the Medical and Dental Schools who organized a large team of people that make today's events possible. So a round of applause for all of them. [APPLAUSE] This is a very, very special day in the lives of each of our students. But also, it's a very special day for all of us, for family members. And it's truly a joy for all of us who teach and support these wonderful students. And we're very honored today to have here both the dean of the Harvard Medical School and dean of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine to welcome you. First I'd like to introduce, in his third year as dean of the Harvard Medical School, George Daley. George is an inspirational and visionary leader for this just amazing constellation of people and institutions that is Harvard Medical School. He's a graduate of HMS. He did his MD here, his PhD at MIT. He then trained in both internal medicine and hematology-oncology and became one of the world's leading stem cell researchers, scientist working on ways to use stem cells for cancer treatment. And he's also been a leading national and international voice in the ethical and social questions surrounding stem cell research. A few years ago, Dr. Daley was busy running the pediatric stem cell transplant program at Boston Children's Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, teaching his students, being a Howard Hughes investigator, very, very active mentor of not only students but graduate students, fellows. And he got the call to become the dean of Harvard Medical School. And thankfully, he accepted. He brings just tremendous passion and curiosity and humility to the task of leading Harvard Medical School in a very values-driven way, focused on excellence and diversity and service and continuous improvement in support of our mission of relieving human suffering and promoting wellness for all. So it is my pleasure to introduce to you the dean of Harvard Medical School, George Daley. [APPLAUSE] Thank you, Ed. Oh, thank you for reminding me what a great life I used to have. [LAUGHTER] Seriously, it's a remarkable privilege, actually, to be dean of the faculty at this institution. And one of our most earnest missions is as a leading educational community. And so this is a tremendously special day, to be able to celebrate this rite of passage, the White Coat Ceremony, to bring you in and welcome you as members of the medical and dental communities. I want to start by just extending my warmest welcome to the many family and friends who have gathered with you here to celebrate. The class of 2023 of Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, today is that ceremonial first step, that beginning of this momentous journey. That is your journey to become a physician, to become a dentist. It's an arduous journey. But also, I want to say, it is deeply, deeply rewarding. And it starts today. Today is really, in many ways, the culmination of many, many years of hard work, dedication, the hard work that got you here. I want to remind you, it's just the beginning. There's lots of hard work ahead. But it's also a day that really marks your evolution. It's a personal and professional evolution from being a student to being a practitioner to being a doctor. You now have the opportunity to take advantage of the unique riches of this extraordinary community, the Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Dental Medicine community. You're going to be realizing your dreams for what you will do and who you will become in the future. You're going to find new ways to rethink dogmas, to challenge conventional wisdom, to use your extraordinary talents to serve others. That's why we're here. Remember, a physician's charge is not merely to diagnose and treat disease but to heal in every sense of the word. Do not forget that with every encounter, in the exam room or on the wards, you have the opportunity to make the world a healthier and happier place one patient at a time. Now, I want to share with your family, those who gathered with you, students, some of the themes that I first mentioned earlier in this week as I welcomed you here. I hope that you will, when you walk the halls of Harvard Medical School, this wonderful community, which is the locus of so many firsts in medicine, I hope that you will take inspiration from the legacy of those whose names and portraits grace these walls. You're going to see the portrait of John Franklin Enders who received the Nobel Prize for first culturing the polio virus. You'll see portraits of Harvey Cushing, the modern father of neurosurgery. You're going to see neonatologist Mary Ellen Avery who discovered the basis of respiratory distress syndrome and its treatment with surfactant that has led to the survival and thriving of countless millions of children. You'll see the faces of David Hubel, Torsten Wiesel, who worked in the adjacent building and who won the Nobel Prize for mapping fundamental pathways of the vertebrate visual system. Joe Murray, who worked in the Brigham and Women's just behind us, who performed the world's first successful kidney transplant and won the Nobel Prize. Judah Folkman, who pioneered the notion that cancerous tumors feed on blood vessels to sustain their existence and which led to lifesaving treatments for cancer. If you go into the medical education center auditorium, you'll see a bust of Alice Hamilton, Harvard Medical School's first female faculty member, in fact, the first female faculty member appointed at Harvard University. And it was Alice who pioneered the field of occupational medicine, who worked tirelessly to protect workers from exposure to dangerous chemicals and toxic compounds. You'll see a portrait in the building over there of Harold Amos, the namesake of our minority faculty recruitment program. Professor Amos was someone I had the privilege of knowing personally. He was a distinguished microbiologist who also was the first African-American to chair a department at Harvard Medical School. And as you walk the halls with these and many other luminaries, I hope that you will feel inspired. What you should not feel is intimidated. It's a feeling that I know all too well. And many of you will have experienced it. When I first arrived on this campus as a Harvard Medical student some 36 years ago, I think it was natural. I couldn't help but question whether I was ready, whether I was prepared. Like all of you, my classmates were remarkably talented. And I wondered, how could I keep up? How could I possibly keep up with all of the extraordinary individuals that surrounded me? Did I really belong here? Well, what you should know is that all of us here-- all of us here belong. All of the people who are now immortalized in these portraits on the walls, they were people. They were individuals with doubts and fears, insecurities of their own. In fact, you should know, doubt is a marker of intelligence. It's the hallmark of a restless and inquisitive mind. So don't fear it, embrace it. The pioneers who transformed medicine had their own share of doubts. But each of them was also inspired by a particular problem. They applied themselves. They dreamt of solving medicine' most confounding mysteries and of helping others. Each and every one of you is here today. You've been selected to be here today, because you share that drive. You share that passion. And we have confidence in each and every one of you that you're going to carry on that legacy, that legacy of serving others and that legacy of transforming human health. I also mentioned earlier in the week that as you walk the halls, I think you are going to notice that the majority of portraits depict gray-haired white men like me. And as I said earlier, if you look to your right and you look to your left and you look at your classmates, it's clear that the Harvard Medical School community of today is anything but homogeneous. The pictures on our walls are also changing. And I'm committing to you today that during your next few years with us, you will see increasing change in the public images, the celebration that we make not only of the past but of the present and of the future. There will be portraits of you and your colleagues, people of all races, colors, genders, sexual orientations, political orientations, representing the diversity of Harvard Medical School and its richness and its complexity. Those changes have started. Just a few months ago, we unveiled our newest portrait which honors doctor and professor Alvin Poussaint. Dr. Poussaint marched from Selma to Montgomery as a physician accompanying Martin Luther King. He tended to the injuries of those who suffered the beating to march for civil rights. Dr. Poussaint was a key leader in the efforts to desegregate the country's hospitals using the power of the Civil Rights Act. And he has been a stalwart advocate for diversity and inclusion in his 50 years of service to the School. He made it his mission to be sure that every member of this community, all of you, feel welcome and included here at Harvard Medical School. We continue to work diligently to make sure that the school celebrates greater diversity and cultivates greater inclusion, bringing together a diversity of people with remarkable abilities as well as disabilities, and including all who bring their talents and experiences to our community. We welcome each and every one of you. Wherever you may have come from-- and we will hear today, as you give your own personal testimonies, the remarkable histories and distance traveled of so many of our students. But I hope you all take this message to heart. You all belong here. And we are proud to welcome you into this community. I believe you are at the best possible place to learn the skills and to build the relationships that will help you all lead the transformation in human health. That is your promise. Our community is enriched by each and every one of you. It means so much to us that you have chosen to bring your extraordinary talents to make Harvard Medical School a better place. It's up for us the faculty to sit back, watch you grow, watch you learn, to feed those interests. And it is a wonderfully satisfying aspect of being faculty at this school. So on behalf of Harvard Medical School, our faculty, our staff, our alumni, I welcome you all to this proud beginning. Congratulations. [APPLAUSE] Thank you very much, George. Doctor Bruce Donoff is the longest-serving dean in the history of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, a school that has been around over a century and a half, by the way. He's also the longest serving dean of any school at Harvard University today. He was named Dean in 1991. Dean Donoff is an alumnus of both HMS and HSDM. He he's both an MD and a DMD. He's an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who made research contributions in the fields of wound healing, bone graft survival, sensory nerve repair, and oral cancers. He has won almost every honor and award nationally and internationally in his field. Bruce announced that he's stepping down as dean at the end of this calendar year. And most of us have a hard time even imagining the Harvard School of Dental Medicine without his kind and always positive presence and his tremendous advocacy for oral health. Indeed, Dr. Donoff has long been one of the nation's leading advocates for the integration of oral health and general health. We like to say it's been Dean Donoff who put the mouth back in the body in our curriculum. And so it's my great pleasure to welcome Dean Donoff to the podium. [MUSIC PLAYING] Thank you, Ed. My sincere and congratulatory welcome to all the new students, parents, grandparents, and other loved ones here to share this momentous day. Caring, compassion, and empathy a part of your fabric, or you would not have chosen to devote your lives to helping others prevent, manage, and treat illness. As I was driving home Wednesday, I stopped at a traffic light and found myself right next to a bus. And when I looked to my left, I was eye to eye with a sticker exhorting all to remember Rosa Parks. Rosa Parks refused to move to the back of a bus in Montgomery, Alabama on December 1, 1955 and helped initiate the civil rights movement. There was no White Coat Ceremony then, as it began in the 1990s. So what does the White Coat Ceremony have to do with Rosa Parks, you might ask. This ceremony represents ritual, professionalism, and most importantly, trust. The trust that comes from the doctor-patient relationship is a very special relationship between human beings that says everyone is equal and deserving of the very best you have to give. I always remember a student who was part of my patient-doctor one group. That was a first year course here. After interviewing his patient, I met him in the Beth Israel hospital cafeteria to debrief. When I entered, I found him holding his head in his hands. And when I asked him if he was all right, he said, that patient let me into their life. That is the power of the white coat. Congratulations. [MUSIC PLAYING] I want to invite our amazing staff and faculty to start moving the students from the back row around to make their way to the front to get their white coats in place so they can introduce themselves. And while they're getting organized, I just want to say a couple of brief words about the ceremony. First, the white coats that these students have been given are a gift from the Aesculapian Club, something you will all be invited to join, which is a sort of cheerleading organization of alumni who work on student life and faculty student events. The order of the ceremony is we have some wonderful faculty who will be the coaters who will be helping the students on with their coat. The students will come up to the front. They'll say their name, where they're from, and a brief thank you. Then they'll have a chance to shake one of the dean's hands and go back. When everybody is seated back together, they will be ready to recite their oath that I'll say a word about in a minute. But the interesting thing is the oath will be led by Dr. Fidencio Saldana, our Dean for Students at Harvard Medical School and Dr. Sang Park, the associate dean for dental education at HSDM. I just want to say a quick word about the coat as well. A few years ago, one of our students at graduation was giving one of the student speeches right in this tent. And he said, you know, you arrive at Harvard Medical School of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine answering most questions, I don't know. And after learning from the experts for four years, you leave answering most questions saying, we don't know. So I really want you all to think of your white coat as your membership in the we who don't know but the we who have an obligation to find out to serve our patients and to serve our community. That's the obligation you take on. We always say that you get your coats this week. But you're going to have to earn your coat every day of your life. So it looks like people are just about ready to go. So what I'm going to do is invite Fidencio and and Sang and I to leave the stage. We're going to have Deans Donoff and Daley come up. We're going to ask each student to first come to the microphone, introduce themselves, say a few brief words. And when we're done, we're going to reconvene. And I'll talk a little bit about the oath that the students have composed. Ready? All right. [APPLAUSE] Oh, sorry. My name's Jin. I'm from Queens, New York. And I first wanted to thank everybody who's touched my life, from friends and mentors, the subway drivers in New York City, and also to Fahad who runs my bodega. I also wanted to thank my future patients. I wanted just to thank them for inviting me into their life to be a small part of a fulfilling journey. And I also finally wanted to thank my parents. Yeah, they really have taught me the meaning of the word sacrifice. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello my name is Rolena. I'm from Plano, Texas. And I just really wanted to thank my friends and family, especially my mom and dad for supporting me throughout this entire journey. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi. My name is Christopher Haneke. I'm from Cambridge. I just want to thank my family for being here and supporting me. And I want to thank my wife and daughter for all their support and sacrifice. Thank you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hi, my name is Norma. And I'm from Lincoln, Massachusetts. And I first want to thank my parents and all my siblings for all their support. And I also want to thank all my mentors from high school to college and now here in medical school. And lastly, I want to thank my incredible friends. And I can't wait to celebrate with you all soon. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi everyone. My name is Sanha Batul. I was born and raised in Quetta, Pakistan. And I have spent the last 6 and 1/2 years in Queens, New York. I want to take this time to thank my dad who made endless sacrifices to get me here and my mom, my brother, and my little sister for their endless love and support. And lastly, to all my mentors and many professors for their invaluable guidance, thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, my name is Bessie. I'm from Ottawa, Canada. First I'd like to thank my parents. I wouldn't be here without you. And I don't think any of us could have imagined over 20 years ago when we immigrated to Canada that we'd be here. So thank you so much. I love you. [SPEAKING MANDARIN] I'd also like to thank my mentors who've really guided me and shaped not only how I think about medicine but really how I see myself in the world. And lastly, thank you so much to my friends who've been there along the way and given all your support and love. Thanks so much. [APPLAUSE] Hello. My name is Morgan Talbot. I'm from Seattle, Shepparton, Victoria, Australia, and Vancouver, Canada. I'd like to thank everyone who's supported me in my journey so far, my family, my friends, and mentors, especially my mother who's here. She is always just an incredible source of support and also inspiration. And my partner Michelle who continuously makes my life better. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi. My name is Lindsay [INAUDIBLE]. And I'm from Beaverton, Oregon. And I would like to thank my family, both who are here with me today, Kim, Craig, and Kirsten, and then people who are not, Claire, my new niece who's a few weeks old, and my brother-in-law Steven and everyone else who couldn't be here, as well as my friends. You know who you are. And my research and clinical mentors, especially Vicki Fong and John Chu. Thank you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hello. My name is Maneesh Pranspay. I'm from Dayton, Ohio. And I'd really like to thank my family and friends in India and the United States, especially my parents, my brother and sister, and especially my parents who immigrated this country and really helped me for the past two decades be where I am today. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name's Patrick Monette. I'm from Westfield, Massachusetts. I'd like to thank all the friends, family, especially my parents, who are here today, and all the mentors for the support they've given me along the way. I would not be here without you and your support. This is for you. Thank you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Kushi Rangnath, and I'm from Potomac, Maryland. I'd like to first start by thanking my parents, who are the reason why I'm standing here today. You guys are my role models, my mentors, and my best friends in the whole world. And I thank you so much for working tirelessly every day to make sure every single dream of mine came true. I also want to thank my little sister Siri, my grandparents, my aunts and uncles, and family friends and closest friends from back home for always believing in me, and finally, of course, my mentors and professors who gave me priceless opportunities to learn and grow. So none of this would've been possible without you. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi. My name's Anthony Dinkle. I'm from Chicago, Illinois. I want to say, thank you very much mom and dad. Thank you for the rest of my friends and family who couldn't be here today and also to my teachers and mentors throughout the years for all their encouragement and support and of course to the class of 2023. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. I'm Sanjana Srinivasan. Boston I'm from Westmont, Illinois. And first of all, I'd like to say I'm really excited to be beginning this journey with all of you. And I'd like to thank everyone who's helped me get to this stage today, all of my family, my friends, and my mentors. And I'd especially like to thank my family who's here today, my dad for always believing in me, my mom for being my rock, and my sister for being my best buddy. And I'd like to thank my grandparents for teaching me the importance of being a good and caring person. And on this day, I am especially reminded of my grandfathers [INAUDIBLE] and [INAUDIBLE].. Thank you so much. And I hope to be someone that can make you proud. [APPLAUSE] Good afternoon, everybody. My name's Ahmed Ahmed. I'm from Rochester, Minnesota. And I want to begin by extending my deepest gratitude to my family, my girlfriend, and all the loved ones who came out, both near and far to come support me on this day, and especially to my mother, because I know how much this day means to you, and my father who has since passed. But I know his presence is being felt in this room. Today's quite a heavy day for me. Just over 20 years ago, my family came to this country as refugees from Somalia. But I recognize that we wouldn't be able to do that today due to a travel ban that has been instituted. And so it is for that reason and so much more that I dedicate this white coat to all Somali refugees and all those yearning to breathe free. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. I'm Megan Mishra. And I'm from Ellicott City, Maryland. And I would especially like to thank everyone with me in the class of 2023 who's-- we're going to be on this journey together. And I'd also like to thank my parents, my younger brother, and my grandmother who are here today to support me. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello. My name is Cameron Farr. I'm from Elizabeth City, North Carolina. And I would like to thank my parents and grandparents for the endless amount of support they've given me my whole life and also Harvard for giving me this awesome opportunity. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is John Hernandez. I'm from Philadelphia. I'd like to thank my parents who are both here today and my friends James and Nikki. I love you all. I'd like to thank my mentors Dr. Grenstaff and Dr. Bentley. And lastly, I'd like to think of my amazing classmates in front of me. I'm very confident that together, we can reach a day when health care is delivered for all people by all people. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Ayush Pareek. I'm from Jersey City, New Jersey. And I'd just like to thank all the friends and family who are here supporting me or watching on the livestream. To mom and dad, thank you for bringing the rocks and the giants whose shoulders I can stand on forever. To my brother Harlik, you are the first doctor, but I'm coming up soon. And you guys will always be my heroes. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Sophia Schneider. And I'm from Austria and Colorado. I'd like to thank the many friends, family members and mentors without whom I would not be standing here today. But in particular, thanks to those who traveled from far away to share this moment with me, my mom, dad, and sister Isabella. Thank you for teaching me what it means to be courageous, kind, and curious I love you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Lauren O'Mara. And I'm from Bel Air, Maryland. I'd like to thank my mom for being my rock, my dad for being my inspiration to go into medicine, my twin sister Julia for being my other half, and my brother Colin for always making me laugh. And I'd like to give a special shout out to my grammy. Today is her 79th birthday. So happy birthday, grammy. I love you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Chai Arnold. My family came to this country from Guatemala. And I was born and raised in Cathedral City, California. I'd like to give a thank you to my family and loved ones that could be here with me today and those who are supporting me from afar. I hope to continue to make you guys proud. You guys motivate me every day to be a better person. Love you guys. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is John Messinger. I'm from Putnam Valley, New York. First I'd like to thank all my friends on the NYU wrestling team, my mentors, Dr. Paul Glimcher, Dr. Prasad Adusumilli, and coach Bruce Haverly. And then most of all, I'd like to thank my mom for giving me the inspiration to join the field of medicine, my father for teaching me the work ethic to get to a place like Harvard Medical School, and my brothers for walking with me every step of the way. I couldn't be here without every one of you. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi. My name is Hailan Cho. I'm from Redwood City, California. I'd like to thank my friends and mentors who have been there with me at the various stages of my life from Palo Alto, California, Hanover, New Hampshire, and Washington, DC. But most of all, I'd like to thank my parents, my mom and my dad who are here with me today, for loving me and supporting me unconditionally. I love you so much. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi. My name is Stephanie Busleman. I'm originally from Lebanon. But I grew up on Long Island. I first want to thank my parents for everything that they've done. They sacrificed so much by moving to the US to give me and my siblings access to such incredible opportunities. I also want to thank the rest of my family, both in the US and in Lebanon, my friends and my boyfriend for all of their support. Thank you, guys. [APPLAUSE] Hi. My name is Jenny. I'm from Seoul, Korea. I want to thank all the people whose love has built and sustained me so far. I also want to say something to my family who's watching this on live stream. [SPEAKING KOREAN] [APPLAUSE] Hi. My name is Jenny Rowley. I'm from Chicago, Illinois. Thank you to my family who, all my life, you've been in my corner. Here we go. All my life, you've been in my corner. You've shown me compassion, caring, and kindness. I'm wearing this coat because of you. And I get to stand in the corner of each and every one of my patients because of what you've taught me. A special shout out to my fiancee and partner Joe. Want to raise your hand? You have picked up your life and moved across the country not once but twice to be with me as I pursue my education. And I don't know what I'd do without you. So thank you so much. Happy early birthday to my sister Jill. [APPLAUSE] Yo. I'm Will. [APPLAUSE] I'm Will. I'm from Raleigh, North Carolina. I want to thank my younger brother Bennett here first. You're moving into high school tomorrow. But you're here with me today. And I really love you. I want to thank my mentors in college and after I want to thank my roommates and friends who are here. You're the real ones. And I want to say a few words to my family. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi. I'm Hannah [INAUDIBLE] from The Bronx, New York. I want to thank my beautiful friends and those who've come. I'd like to thank my inspiring teachers, especially my uncle Kubrum who first showed me what community-driven care looks like. And I'd love to thank my family, both here and in Eritrea, for your love and wisdom. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] I hope to honor you in this journey. [APPLAUSE] What's up, y'all? My name's Nicholas Reed. I'm from New Orleans. I would like to thank my mom and dad for teaching me the true meaning of sacrifice every single day. I want to thank Zoe for helping me radically transform myself for the better every day. I want to thank the Bourdenais family for their constant generosity and beautiful perspective. And I want to finally remember my best friend Fred. Rest easy, you live in my heart forever. I love you, man. [APPLAUSE] Hi. My name is Lily Offit. I'm from New York City. I want to thank my family and friends for their love and support, especially my parents, my grandparents, my sisters Anna and Caroline, and my partner Ben. Thank you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hello. I'm Jackie. I'm from Northeast Ohio. And I'm really humbled to be here and grateful for all the support that I've gotten and will continue to receive as I work to earn this coat. I'm especially thankful for the advisors, classmates that I've had to get me to this point as well as my family and friends and especially for my parents Brent and Keeley who are here to share this day with me today. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is William Butler. I'm originally from Atlanta, Georgia. I'd like to thank my mom, my dad, and my grandparents for being such strong supporters of my education throughout the years. I'd like to thank my best friend Christina who is here today and my sister and my cousin who tried to make it here today but whose flight got canceled on the way in from Chicago. I'd like to thank all of my friends, and especially my LGBTQ-identifying friends. I wouldn't be here without you today. Thank you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Alice Wang. I'm from San Diego, California. Foremost, I'd like to thank my mom and my dad for their endless support and sacrifice. Also thank you to my brother Justin and my friend Lisa for being here to celebrate. Thank you to all the mentors who have supported me along the way. And thank you to my relatives, both here in China-- [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] [APPLAUSE] Hi. My name-- I guess I'm a little short. Hi. My name is Rose Dubrinski. I'm from Long Island, New York. I just wanted to thank my parents and in-laws for coming out here today and my husband and little baby girl for their support and encouragement. [APPLAUSE] Hey, everyone. My name's Eric Chan. I'm from San Diego, California. I just want to give a shout out to mom and dad. I love you guys. Thank you for showing me what it means to set down roots in a new place, to set big goals and dreams and have the determination and the grit to see it through. Albert, thanks for being the best brother I could ever have and for taking a red eye flight to be here today. And to Joy, to Kevin, and to Jane, thanks for being here. You guys are real friends. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. I'm Sophia. And I'm coming from New Jersey. I would just like to take this moment to express how grateful I am to my family and friends who have supported me throughout this entire journey since day one. I would like to especially thank my mom, my dad, and Henry for their constant love and guidance. I definitely could not have done this without you guys. [NON-ENGLISH] I love you guys so much. And thank you for everything. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. I'm Brendan Ippen. I'm from Weston, Mass. And I'm blessed with parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, mentors, and even strangers who have just offered-- [CHUCKLES] --seriously, immeasurable love and support, guidance along the way, who've modeled deep care for others, and dared to demand a more equitable world. So I'm here because of all of you. And I look forward to learning together how we can transform our lives and this profession and the lives of others in a way that's rooted in love. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Jessica Norlinger. I'm originally from Toronto, Ontario. I just want to thank my friends, mentors, and most especially my family, mom, dad, my brother David. You have always been there for me. And you have supported me throughout all my passions and endeavors. And I really wouldn't be the person I am without you guys today. I'm really excited to spend my next four years with the class of 2023 here. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Sylvia Solomon. And I'm from Italy. I would like to thank my family, my boyfriend, mentors, and professors whose help and support is really what has brought me here today. To all immigrants and to the children of immigrants, the fact that we're here today, wearing this white coat is proof that no matter how hard things get, we should never be afraid to be there and to wish for a brighter future. I would like to-- [APPLAUSE] I would like to add a few words in Italian to honor my family who's here today and those who are watching from home. [SPEAKING ITALIAN] Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. I'm Rachel Reardon. I'm from Midland, Michigan. And I want to say thank you to all my wonderful family and friends who are supporting me here and from far away, to my amazing mentors, especially Jeff Thompson and Joe Rezik for seeing things in me before I saw them and myself. And most of all, thank you mom and dad, my little brother Aaron for loving me unconditionally and making sure I laugh every day. I love you guys. [APPLAUSE] Good afternoon. Good afternoon. My name is Azai Calderon. And I'm from Kissimmee, Florida. Before anything else, I want to honor God for the grace over my life. [SPEAKING SPANISH] And thank you to all of my mentors, friends, and loved ones who have lifted me up on their wings. To anyone who is seeing this live stream and is thinking, I'm not enough, I don't understand where I'm going, my journey isn't the right one, you are enough, and you do belong. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Paulina Miller. I'm from Holmdel, New Jersey. I just want to take a moment for thanking everyone for being here today. I want to thank my friends, family, mentors, especially my parents for their unwavering support and unconditional love. And I also want to thank my grandfather who can't be here today, but for instilling in me the value of lifelong learning. Thank you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Kate Tashrin. I'm from Ithaca, New York. And I would like to not just thank my friends and family who have endured countless phone calls during which I incoherently sobbed throughout this process. I can promise that that will not stop. But also the numerous people, through small acts of kindness and belief in my abilities, gave me opportunities that I could have never imagined otherwise. So thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Olivia Watress. I'm from Guilford, Connecticut. And I'd like to thank my family for their unwavering support and encouragement, my parents, sisters, and grandparents for being here today. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Logan Beyer. I'm from New Bern, North Carolina. And I want to thank my family and the friends who have become family, especially my younger brother Jackson, who has taught me humility, my mom and my grandmothers, who have taught me that women are powerful, and my dad, who left us all with a legacy of love and who was the kind of physician I hope to become. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Eddie Popa. I was born in Romania. And I grew up in Chicago, Illinois. First I'd like to thank my mentors in the dental field for telling me early on that anything was possible. I'd like to thank them for exemplifying what it means to be a caring and compassionate professional in this field. Most of all, I'd like to thank my family, my parents in particular for dropping everything, giving up everything they had to move to this country so that I could realize my dream. I can only dream to be as careless as they were to me. And I think we can I'll really look forward to showing that quality in this wonderful field we've chosen. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name's Sam Ealey. I'm from Blue Hill, Maine. I need to thank my grandparents who can't be here with us today, my parents, mama and papa, and Benny for a lifetime of love already. And I'm thrilled and honored to be a part of this class. You've already shown an immense amount of intellect, love. And I can't wait to learn with you for at least four years. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Dylan Cahill. I'm from Boca Raton, Florida. And I'd just like to take this opportunity to thank my family, my girlfriend, and an endless list of friends and mentors who helped make this dream possible. Thank you all. [APPLAUSE] Hi. My name is Margot Manning. I'm from Wellesley, Massachusetts. I just want to take us like to thank everyone who came today, my family, mom, dad, my brother Drew, Lisa. Wow, I didn't think I was going to tear up. And my incredible friends, Audrey, Eva, Katherine, Charlie, my boyfriend Ian, I love you all so much. And thank you so much for your support. I could not be here without you. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name is Jonah Aaron Stark Blumenthal. I'm from Atlanta, Georgia. I want to thank my friends and family who traveled to be here today. It means so much. I want to specifically thank my parents for fostering a love and curiosity for learning and for emphasizing the importance of compassion and for teaching me to fight for what I believe in. Thank you to my siblings Daniel and Lily. You both inspire me and continue to push me towards my best self. Thank you Ariel for your positive attitude and for keeping me grounded when I cannot. Thank you to my grandparents for being here despite battling health issues. Your dedication to your family is inspiring. I would not be here without each of you. So thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello. My name is Macy Liu. I was born in Guangzhou, China and grew up in Boston. I want to thank my family for loving me and supporting me unconditionally, especially my mom, who raised me on her own. [SPEAKING MANDARIN] And lastly, I want to give a special shout out to my stepdad Jim, because today's actually his birthday. Happy birthday. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Juliana Coleman. And I'm from Dana Point, California. I first want to thank my family members and friends who are like family who came to celebrate this day with me. I want to thank my entire extended family who, in caring for my grandparents, taught me how to care for others with love, empathy, and selflessness, to my parents and to my brother Matthew for making this dream possible. And finally, I'd like to thank all of my mentors who have continued to challenge me to approach medicine through the eyes of a humanist. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello. My name is Chad Sussman. I'm from Eldersburg, Maryland. I just want to thank my friends and family for supporting me. Thanks, mom, for being here. And to my dad at home, thanks for convincing me to apply to Harvard. And I think it was a pretty good idea. [APPLAUSE] Hello. I'm Christy Kazmarek from Amsterdam, New York. I just want to say thank you to my family, friends, mentors, and everyone I've met throughout my life who's helped shape me and support me, especially my parents, brothers, and boyfriend, as well as my grandparents. Thank you all. And thank you to all of you I'm going to meet and that'll help me in the future. [APPLAUSE] Hi. My name is Molly Munsell. I'm from St. Louis, Missouri. I want to thank my entire family for their support, especially my mom and dad for teaching and showing me what it means to pursue your goals over the long haul, each of my brilliant, funny siblings, and my friends and mentors who had confidence in me even when I didn't. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello. My name is [INAUDIBLE]. I'm from Kandy, Lanka and El Segundo, California. I would like to thank my family and my mentors. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] Thank you for everything. Thank you for your support. Thank you for believing in me even when I did it. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] Thank you for everything. [APPLAUSE] Aloha, everyone. My name is Jordan Aika'a. I grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii. I'd like to thank everyone, my friends and my mentors who's supported me along the way. Most importantly, I'd like to thank my family, those who are supporting me back home and those who are able to make it today, for their love and support. They continue to inspire me. I'm really lucky my aunt, actually, was able to hem my white coat to fit my arms. And I'd like to thank my parents, my mom, my dad, my brother. You're among my most important role models. Thank you for your sacrifice and your love and support. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Kim Fang. I grew up in Andover, Massachusetts. And I wanted to give a special thanks to my mom, my dad, Sam, Tim, my two grandmothers, my grandpa, my mentors, my friends-- shout out to Sylv-- and finally my boyfriend and my dog for helping me become the person I am today and always rooting for me. I love you. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name is Julia Chao. I'm from New York City. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] And secondly, I'd like to thank my brother Peter and my best friends Renee and Annie and my mentor and friend Dr. Ashley Watson. So thank you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. I'm Amanda Cowell. I'm from St. Louis, Missouri. And I wanted to start by thanking my family. Mom and dad, thank you so much for everything, for believing in me, and for all the sacrifices you've made to bring me here. To my grandparents, thank you so much for endless encouragement and support from so far away. And to my sister Sarah, even though I'm the older one, I look up to you so much for your strength and positivity. And thank you for always being there to talk to you and to make me laugh. And finally, I wanted to thank my friends and mentors. I'm so grateful to have been able to spend time with you and learn from you. And I hope to make you all proud. [APPLAUSE] Hi. I'm Hannah Thomas. I'm from Cheyenne, Wyoming. I'd like to thank my parents and my grandparents and Michael for your endless love and support and for helping me edit thousands of secondaries and for flying all the way across the country to be here today. So thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, there. My name is Jeremiah Kim from Seoul, South Korea. And first and foremost, glory to God and his kingdom. Thanks to family, friends, and mentors who have made this long journey possible. [SPEAKING KOREAN] Today marks the first day in over a year that my family's all together in one spot. So this is for them. And all those with immigrant narratives, try to make a better life. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hey, everybody. My name is [INAUDIBLE]. From Jackson, North Carolina and Nigeria. First off, I'd really like to thank my parents. I could not have made it here without you guys, without your support, without you pushing me and getting me through everything it took to get here. I want to thank friends and mentors and all those who've been in my life and touched me in some way and helped me get to where I am today. I'd also like to thank my twin brother, [INAUDIBLE].. We've been through a lot. And all I can say is that, for better and for worse, you've pushed me to do better and be better. And I appreciate you for that. [APPLAUSE] Hi. My name's Abigail Baldwin. I'm from Paulsville, Washington. And I'd like to thank my parents Kit and Wendy, my siblings Henry and Tess, my friends Christy and Mandy, and my boyfriend Deepak for all traveling so far to be here today and for supporting me through everything, such that I could be up here in this white coat today. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. First, I'm thankful that he went before me, because I didn't want to fidget with the mike. Name is William Bongo. I was born in the city of Bangui in the Central African Republic and grew up in West Lafayette, Indiana. I would first like to thank my parents. Melissa, I know the Cinderella story hasn't given stepmothers a good stereotype. But you raised me as your child. And you're the best mother I could have asked for. And to my father whose left leg was afflicted with polio, thank you for teaching me what it means to be a man and to walk with dignity. And lastly, to my relatives both in this country and abroad, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] [APPLAUSE] Salaam aleikum, everybody. My name's Maz Mullah. And I'm from Chicago, Illinois. I'm so humbled and grateful to be here in front of all of you. First of all, I want to thank my family for always supporting me. I want to thank my friends and my sisters for always bringing happiness into my life. And to all my family in Mumbai, India right now, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] I love you all so much. Thank you for always being there for me. And last and most importantly, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Terrance Mensah. I was born in Accra, Ghana. And then my family and I immigrated to Greensboro, North Carolina, where I grew up. I would like to dedicate this to my family who have sacrificed so much for me to be here, to my community which has always supported me, to the countless people like me who've have had their opportunities taken away. I will always keep working to ensure we can come to places like this to tell our stories. [APPLAUSE] Hi, good afternoon. My name is [INAUDIBLE] And I'm from Queens, New York, while we have my family being from Nigeria. The best place, Queens, New York and Nigeria. I first would like to thank God, because I would not be here if it was not for God. And I would also like to thank my parents. And I recognize the work that I've done in terms of being in a classroom and working is not anything in comparison to the work that they've done in terms of coming to a strange country and working for their family to be great. And so I thank my parents. I thank my mentors. I thank my friends. And I thank my four siblings, Vincent, Benjamin, Busi, and Duttu for being amazing. Thank you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hello. My name is George Hutchins. I'm from Indianapolis, Indiana. That's my big cousin right there. He likes to do his own thing. We love him anyway. First, I would like to thank God. Without my faith, I would not be here today. Second, I would like to thank my family, my aunt Ramona Sanders back over there, who's been like a mother to me my entire life, my godmother, my grandmother at home, all of my family members for pouring love into me. Third, I would like to thank all of my mentors from kindergarten all the way to the faculty and staff at Indiana University. Thank you for providing me with a wealth of opportunities. And lastly, I would like to thank all those that came before me that fought and stood in the face of injustice, like Dr. Alvin Poussaint, that allowed people like me and that look like me to get an education that's not only bettered my life but the lives of those that I'll call patients one day. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello there. So I'm Jeremy Martinez from Miami, Florida. And I'd just like to take this opportunity to thank my entire family for their unwavering support throughout my life and particularly my mother who raised me as a single parent. I'd also like to thank my godmother who loved and cared for me as much as any biological parent ever could. Lastly, of course, I'd like to thank my siblings Tiffany and Jordan, my best friend Simon, and of course, my partner Debbie for being so generous with their kindness and their guidance. Thank you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name Giovanni Franco. And I'm from McKinney, Texas. Today I'd like to thank my parents, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] --and Ivan, my siblings. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] [APPLAUSE] Hi. My name is Denis [INAUDIBLE]. I grew up in Accra, Ghana. And I'm really thankful to God for his grace that abounds for me and the opportunity to be here. I really want to thank my parents who've supported me from the beginning, even before I was, and particularly so my mom who sacrificed everything to raise me, both in sickness and in good health. I think even in her death, the values that she raised me with continue to stick with me. And I hope that I can be a doctor and a person who she's proud of. I also want to thank my dad for just sacrificing everything to allow me to pursue my dreams. I'm really grateful for you. And then finally to my friends and my mentors and all of the people I've met along the way who have shown me some kindness and given me opportunity, I wouldn't be here without you. And I hope that I'll make you proud. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name is Luis Rivera. I'm from Concord, California. I'd like to say thank you to my family, my friends, my girlfriend. And most of all, I'd like to say thank you to my mom Rosie. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Chandler Moore. And I'm from Milton, Georgia. And more than anything, I just want to thank my family for being here today, my two brothers Bryson and Logan and especially my mom and dad. I think the fact that I'm standing here today really is a testament to the love and support of my parents. And I'm so grateful to you both. And I love you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name's Anthony Fraga. And I'm from Harlingen, Texas. I'd first like to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to be here today. I would like to thank my entire family, specifically my mom and dad for immigrating to this country and sacrificing their dreams so I could live mine. I'd like to thank my brother Jacob for being the first friend I ever made and my lifelong homie. I'd like to thank my friends, professors, and mentors for guiding me and allow me to pursue my passions to the highest degree. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello. I'm Matt Johnson. And I'm from Almond, New York. I would like to thank all of my family members here today and watching online, my brother Steven for being a terrific sibling and a great friend, and both of my parents for believing in me and supporting me. Thank you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hello. My name is Janet Gomez. I was born and raised in [INAUDIBLE] Cuba and moved to the United States, Naples, Florida when I was 11 years old with my mom, dad, and brother. I would like to thank all of my teachers, my mentors, my friends, my family, my incredible boyfriend for always supporting me, being there for me, encouraging me to always try my very best. And a huge thank you to my mom and my dad and my brother. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Mario Russo. I was born and raised in Shelby Township, Michigan. I want to thank my incredible family for always being there for me, especially my parents for their unconditional love and support. I would not be here without all of you. And I love you all so much. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name's Trevor McBroom. I'm from Sacramento, California. First and foremost, I'd like to thank my amazing parents who are here today for all the sacrifices they made so I could pursue my dreams and for supporting me every step of the way. I'd also like to thank my brother for continually inspiring me to be the best that I can be in all that I do. And lastly, I'd like to thank my grandmother, who unfortunately passed away a few years ago. I credit so much of my early creative and intellectual growth to her. And I know that I would not be standing here on the stage if it wasn't for her. Dona, this one's for you. Thank you all. [APPLAUSE] Hello. My name's Brian Chang. I'm from Santa Juan Capistrano, California. I just want to start off by thanking all of my mentors and teachers over the years, especially Eleazar Edelman and Steven Teller, who've become very close friends now. I'd also like to thank my loved ones, especially Sophia Hu, who's here today, for teaching me to be a more empathetic person. And most of all, my parents, my father for inspiring me to go into engineering and science and my mother who sacrificed so much to get me here, from volunteering at school to make sure I actually did have friends and giving up her own career in medicine in order to raise me. So thank you very much. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name's Simon Gunter. I'm from Los Angeles, California. I'd just like to thank all of my friends, family, and mentors who supported me along the way. To my aunt Maya for coming out. To my sister Sophie, thank you for being the best sister I could ever ask for. And to my dad, thank you so much for all the sacrifices you've made and all that you've done for me. I wouldn't be here without you. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Mehta Vavahari. I'm from Greenville, South Carolina. And I just want to thank every member of my family who's here today. Mom, dad, thank you for your limitless love, support, and sacrifice. To my sister Teja, thank you for being my biggest cheerleader and my best friend. And to my partner Dan, thank you for your love and for being a shining example of the kind of physician I would like to become. Thanks, all. [APPLAUSE] Hi. My name is Michael Woodbury. I'm from Greenwich, Connecticut. And I'd like to give my biggest thanks to my parents and my family for their unconditional and endless love and support, to my friends for keeping my life grounded and balanced, and to all my mentors for teaching me so much and for encouraging me to apply to my dream school. Thank you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name is Seamus Caraher, and I'm originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I want to say thank you to all my friends and family for their love and support along the way, to my teachers and mentors for the opportunities that they gave me, and I especially want to thank both my parents for teaching me the values that led me to this stage. Thanks so much. [APPLAUSE] Hello. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]. Peace and blessings be upon you all. My name is Sara Ahmed. I am a first generation Algerian-American, born and raised in Boston. First and foremost, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank God for granting me this opportunity. And I'd like to thank my parents, Drs. [INAUDIBLE],, for all of their sacrifices. Mama, especially thank you for sacrificing your dream as a physician so that I can make mine true. And Baba, thank you so much for all of your support and prayers throughout. And my sisters, [INAUDIBLE],, for helping keep me sane throughout this entire process. My mentors and family both here and abroad, It's an honor to wear this white coat, and I hope to continue to make you guys proud. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Grant Steele. I am from Minnetonka, Minnesota. To begin, I'd like to thank my family and friends who are here today-- Mom, Dad, Cam, Ben. Thank you so much for making the journey out here and supporting me over all these years. Second, I'd like to thank my grandparents, including those watching now and those no longer with us. You all inspire me every day. Third, I'd like to thank my communities in Minnesota, California, and beyond. I love you all, and thank you. And finally, thank you to the HMS and Harvard community for the opportunity to be here. Thanks. [APPLAUSE] Hello, my name is Eli. I'm from Los Angeles, California. I'll start by saying thank you to my family for being here-- my mom, my dad, my sister. Thank you to their parents. I think if Grandpa Alex were here, I think he would be quite shocked that I'm on this stage right now and the journey that he went through. So to all the grandparents who've passed, thank you. I'd also like to thank my sister who's at home, Laura, for constantly teaching me the meaning of life. And I'd like to thank all of the communities and the people who've inspired me to be here, my friends and role models over the many years. Thank you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Aseel Barir from Novato, California. I want to thank mentors, coaches, friends, especially Coach Rip, my brother, my loving girlfriend for all the endless support. Your love means so much. And lastly, my mom. She's the one blocking everyone with her camera over there. You've done so much for me, Mom. You moved Tameem and I here by yourself to a new country and overcame so many things. And I'm forever grateful for everything you did for me, Mom. And I know there's no way I can pay you back, but I know I don't say it enough, but I love you, Mom, and I understand what you've done for me. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name is [INAUDIBLE] Chen, and I was born and raised in China. I spent the last-- the past 10 years in Bowie and Baltimore, Maryland. I just want to take this opportunity to thank my mentors and mentees for letting me into their lives, sharing their stories and advice with me. Y'all made the person-- me the person that I am today. Next, I want to thank my family. My parents, you should really be the one wearing this white coat right now. I wouldn't be here without you. And also to my mother who can't be here today, because she's battling with her mental illness every single day. I'm so sorry I couldn't be there for you, and I love you. Then to my little siblings, Amy and Allen. I miss you all, and I love you, and I will-- I promise I'll come home. And lastly, to my friends, I love you, and I miss you all. Special shout out to Vaishnavi, my college roommate. Thank you for being here in place of my family. And one last-- lastly, I want to honor all first generation students and also immigrant families. I just want to say that, yes, we can, and yes, we do belong. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, all. I'm from-- my name is Chris Dietrich, and I'm from Crown Point, Indiana. I'm very grateful to be here, and I would like to thank my siblings, Jenny, my grandparents, especially Grandma Jenny for making the journey, and, most of all, my parents. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, my name is Mikaela Brock. I'm from Huntsville, Alabama. I would like to start by thanking the phenomenal faculty and advisors in the biomedical sciences program at UAB for your constant guidance and for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself. Thank you to all of my amazing friends and family for all of your love and support and just for enriching my life so much. Thank you to my sisters, Bethany and Gabrielle, and for my grandmother for flying out here to support me. And most of all, thank you to my parents who taught me to love so deeply and for supporting me in this journey starting from day one, where I walked up to you as a little girl and said, I want to be a dentist. I love you both so much, and everything I do is for you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Anusha Nathan. I'm from Ellicott City, Maryland. As I put on this white coat today, I first want to thank my mom and dad for being my biggest inspirations and my biggest supporters. I'd like to thank my sister, Esha, for being a role model and my best friend in the whole world. I'd like to thank my grandparents, those of whom I could have-- I was with earlier this summer and those who are no longer with us, for showing me what resiliency in the face of difficulty really means. I'd like to thank my friends, my teachers, my mentors, and my family from near and far, those of whom are watching this online, for being my biggest supporters. Thank you all so much. It's my absolute privilege to be able to be the author of this story, but you're all going to be the editors. I'd be nowhere and no one without you. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name is Rebecca. I grew up right outside of Providence, Rhode Island. And I just want to say, I would not be here without all my family-- there's probably too many to name-- all my friends, and those that supported me and acted as mentors for me throughout the years. So I just wanted to say thank you so much, and I'm so excited to start this journey with all of you. And yeah, thank you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Steven Babcock. I'm from Hopkinton, Massachusetts. And while I don't have the time up here to thank everyone who helped me get here in under 20 seconds, I'm going to try anyway. So I'd like to thank my friends and my family, my girlfriend, my mentors, and all of my peers for challenging me, for inspiring me, and for being a constant source of love and encouragement. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Carson Moss, and I'm from Sacramento, California. I am an enrolled member of the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma. First, I would like to thank my mom and dad. Without them, I wouldn't be the man that I am today. To my friends and family watching online right now, I want to say, I love you all. Thank you for your support, especially you, Michael. And lastly, I want to recognize the indigenous lands on which we will be learning and living over the years to come. I hope to bring honor to the Massachusetts and Wampanoag tribe while I'm here, as well as my own. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello, my name is Joy Xi. I was born in Beijing, China, but I lived in upstate New York. I'd like to give a big thanks to my family, my mom for her endless love and support through all these years, my dad for always encouraging my love of science, and my sister for being an amazing person and my best friend. I really would not be here without you guys, and I'm so lucky that I get to continue my path with you guys by my side. I love you, and thank you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hello. My name is Jalen Benson. I'm from Pensacola, Florida. As I look out here with some nerves and excitement in my heart, I see my family. That family is the one who raised me. When someone said I couldn't, they believed I could be here. When I had the hope in my heart to dream and hope of Harvard, it is that family that said I can do it, I should do it, and I will do it. So I want to thank them for the support they've always given me. I want to thank everyone out here who's here supporting their family and being here with them and everyone who can't be here. I'm excited for what we do as a class together. I'm excited for what these years are going to look like. And I'll keep in mind those who raised me, took care of me, and supported me as an advocate for those who can't be here but deserve to as well. Thank you, all. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name Somi Mizundar, and I'm from Chicago, Illinois. I'd first just like to thank all my friends and family who came out here today, as well as everybody back home and in India. I'm so grateful for all your love and support no matter how far away you guys were. I wouldn't be here on this stage without you guys. And I'd especially like to thank my mom and my dad for making sacrifices for my brother and me our entire lives and for giving us the chance to pursue every single one of our dreams. And finally, I'd like to thank my brother, who couldn't be here today. Good luck on starting high school. Thank you so much for making me laugh and keeping me grounded, and I love you so much. Thank you. Bye. [APPLAUSE] How y'all doing? All right. My name is LaShyra Nolen, but my friends call me Lash. I'm from Los Angeles, California, and today I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for ordering my steps and allowing me to be here today and for the beautiful people that they have surrounded me with in order to inspire this journey. I want to thank all my mentors at Loyola Marymount University and my friends who are watching right now. Hey, y'all. I also want to thank my Auntie Africa, who is here today, who quite literally is the reason why I decided to come to Harvard Medical School. I want to thank my little brother, who showed me how to do the Orange Ranger and keeps me on all of the Fortnite dances. [LAUGHS] And I especially want to dedicate this day to my mother, Taya Harps, who raised me as a single mother in Compton, California and had me at the age of 18 years old. Technically speaking, I'm not supposed to be here. Statistically speaking, this is a miracle. And Mommy, you so silently are the architect behind all of my dreams and the dreams of so many in our family. And I just want you to know that you were the first superhero that I ever came to know. And I want you to know that I have this privilege of putting on this white coat and feeling like a superhero every day because of you. So I want you to know that this is your white coat, and I thank you for giving me the privilege to even wear it. And lastly, to all the little black girls out there, you can't be what you can't see. But I hope you see me now, and I hope you see yourself in me. We have to keep pushing, and you need to be here, because medicine will not progress without us. The marathon continues. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name's Jaewon Yoon, and I'm from the San Francisco Bay Area. For today, I'd like to thank my friends and mentors, but most importantly, I'd like to thank my family, particularly my parents and brother, who are here, as well as those who are watching from afar, because it's through their endless love and sacrifice that truly everything is possible. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. Good afternoon. My name is Hillary Nguyen, and I am from San Jose, California. I want to start off by first thanking my parents who, unfortunately, couldn't be here today. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]. I would also like to acknowledge my wonderful friends and mentors, who have really pushed me and challenged me to become the person I'm truly proud of today. And finally, I would like to give a huge shout out to all my new friends, classmates, and community here at HMS. I know we just met, but I'm already so inspired and can't wait to spend these next few years learning and growing together. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Good afternoon. Good afternoon. My name is Dan Aquetta. I'm from Maple Grove, Minnesota. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my friends, mentors from around the world, who gave me the gift of their time, even when I didn't deserve it. I'd like to thank my family, my grandparents, both here and in Minnesota, my mom, my dad, Sarah and Ben, who challenge me to be a better person every day. Finally, I'd like to thank my little nephew, Cameron, who over the past 11 months has reminded me that a better future is really worth believing in. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello. Good afternoon. So my name is Kevin Ernesto Salinas, and I'm originally from the border town of McAllen, Texas. I'd like to start off by thanking all the friends, mentors, educators, supporters, and everyone else who really picked me up every time I fell down throughout these past few years and this long journey and really shaped me into the person I am today. I'd also like to send a very special few words to my parents who unfortunately can't be here today but are watching us on Livestream. [SPEAKING SPANISH] And to echo something that so many of my wonderful classmates have already said, we do belong. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Jaden Garcia from Syracuse, Utah. I just wanted to thank God for this opportunity to be here and all the other blessings in my life. It truly is an amazing place to be here at Harvard Medical School. I want to thank my mother for always instilling in me the work ethic that I needed to get here and where I go-- where I will go with my career. I want to thank my dad for always teaching me to pursue my dreams no matter how challenging they might become. I want to thank my brothers for always being there when I need them and for supporting me in all my causes. Last, I'd like to thank my sweet, beautiful wife who was so willing to leave her home in Utah to come here and to support me here in Boston. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] My name is Jessica Christina Murphy, and I am proud to be both a Nebraskan and a graduate of the University of Oklahoma. There is too much to say. So parents, family, friends, mentors, thank you for showing me how to love and for showing me that love is the one true universal connector. I pledge to you to remember who I am and who I represent. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everybody. I'm Brittany Petros from Drigget, Massachusetts. [PORTUGUESE] Thank you for this stethoscope and all that it represents. A nurse, someone who put herself through two years of nursing school as a Portuguese immigrant, a caregiver above all else. Dad, Caitlin, Dylan, Padrino Bom, Tia Paula, thank you for supporting me constantly. Chris Tamil, life with you is one of always learning, and you've already taught me to be an optimist. [APPLAUSE] Hello. My name is Bradley Busque. I'm from Athol, Massachusetts. I'd like to thank all of my teachers and mentors and coaches growing up for showing me how to be here today, and, most importantly, my family, my mom and my dad and my aunt and my first cousin, Mallory. I see you right there. Thank you so much for your love and support. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Mariele Visant. I am from Caracas, Venezuela. And I would like to thank my family for showing me unconditional love and especially to my parents for showing me what patient-centered care truly means. The only thing that I can hope is that I become half the physicians that you have been and that I get to earn my white coat the same way that you have. Gracias. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. I'm Michael Chen. I grew up in Long Meadow, Massachusetts. And I'd like to thank the mentors and communities that molded me into who I am today and who I will be tomorrow, and my family, my parents, my grandparents, who supported me unconditionally my whole life, my girlfriend, Catherine, and all of my close friends who couldn't be here today. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Caroline Li, and I'm from San Ramon, California. Thank you so much to my family and my best friends who are here today. To Mom and Dad, you moved here to America and here to Boston with nothing more than hope and your dreams and hard work. I owe everything in life, especially this moment, to your sacrifice. Thank you for loving me in happy moments like this and moments where it feels like nothing is going right. This unconditional love is one that I hope to live my life by. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Eric Chan. I'm from Long Island, New York. I'd like to thank my friends, my families, my mentors for loving me unconditionally, for always supporting me, challenging me, and most of all, you know, always making me laugh and smile every day. Thank you all, and I definitely wouldn't be here without you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name's Nicole [INAUDIBLE]. I'm from Auburn, Washington. I'd like to thank my parents for teaching me the value of hard work and perseverance. I'd like to thank my sister for being my best friend and my confidant, and I'd like to thank my fiance, Steven, for always being there for me. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name is Laura Sofia [INAUDIBLE],, and I am from [INAUDIBLE],, Puerto Rico. I am glad to be here with you today. I would love to thank my mom and dad. [SPEAKING SPANISH] To my sister and my aunt who are here supporting me and have told me that no is not an option, thank you for being there along the way. To my extended family, my friends, Lara, Danny, [INAUDIBLE],, thank you so much for telling me to keep going and never letting me give up. You guys own my coat. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello. My name is Rory Brinkman, and I'm from Johannesburg, South Africa. It's an honor to share this day with you all. I'd like to thank my parents, Joe and Liz, my partner, KB, my brothers and mentors for everything that they've done to allow me to be here. It is-- I am so, so grateful to be a part of all of your lives. And thank you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. Mom and Dad, get your cameras out. I know you're back there. My name is Ruby Sandhu. I was born in Montreal, Canada, but my parents emigrated from Punjab, India. First and foremost, I want to thank my parents. Without them, I would not be half the person I am today, let alone here. I also want to thank my siblings, Karen and Simran. Simran is in China right now, so he couldn't be here. I am so proud to be your sister, and I hope that you're proud to have me as a sister. And then most of all to my extended family, who all came from all over to be here and support me today, I love you guys so much, and thank you for the endless support. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]. So thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Alan Wong, and I'm from Vancouver, Canada. I wanted to thank my mom, my dad, and my sister, Andrea, for all of their support. I'd like to also thank the friends who are watching the Livestream right now. Sam and Rachel, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'd also like to thank my lifelong mentors-- Jessica [INAUDIBLE],, Kim Johnson, Andy Clark, and also Catherine Morey. Thank you for believing in me and trusting in me all along the way. Thanks. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name is Sandy Samuel. I'm from Staten Island, New York, but I was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt. I'd like to start by thanking my parents who decided to immigrate to this country seven years ago. Special shout out to my dad who gave up his career in medicine so that my sisters and I can have the opportunity to pursue work that we're truly passionate about in this country. I'd also like to thank my sisters, Teresa and Christine, and my extended family all around the world for your unconditional love and support. And finally and most importantly, I'd like to thank God, without whom I would not be here today. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. Welcome, and thank you all so much for being here and believing in us. I'm [INAUDIBLE],, and I am originally from Ethiopia. I would like to start by saying for God is the greatest, and I'm very humbled to be here with all of you guys. And then I'm going to say a few words in Amharic for my mom and dad. [SPEAKING AMHARIC] And I'd like to thank my little brother also, who's not here today, but he's cool. And my special someone, I think you're over there. Thank you so much. I am very grateful for your presence in my life. Again, thank you all for believing in us, and I hope we make you all proud. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Monica Solomon. [CHEERS] I'm from-- I was born in Egypt, but I grew up in New Jersey. First, I'd like to thank God. Without his grace and kindness, I wouldn't be here today. Second, I'd like to thank my parents, who emigrated from across the world to give me the opportunity to be here today, and especially my dad, who is my biggest inspiration. I hope to one day become half the dentist he is. I'd also like to thank my little sister, who is younger than me, but I look up to every single day. And, of course, my amazing friends, who drove 4 and 1/2 hours to be here with me today and have been with me throughout every step of the way. Thank you, guys. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Gustavo Lasquez. I am from Vero Beach, Florida, but I'm originally from Medellin, Colombia. That's where I was born. First of all, I'd like to thank the class of 2023. The last couple of days with you guys has been amazing. All of you are absolutely incredible people, so I'm super excited to get to know each one of you more and more every day. I'd like to thank Mr. [INAUDIBLE] for coming out. I really appreciate your support over the last year and a half. It's been just amazing. Mr. David, Mrs. Catherine, thank you so much for making these dreams of mine a reality. Wouldn't be here without you. Mel, you're an incredible sister. You're younger, but I look up to you like-- and Mom, you've been my mom, my dad, and you've been the reason that I am who I am. You're a figure I look up to like no one else. Ma, [SPEAKING SPANISH]. I love you. Thank you, everyone. [APPLAUSE] [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] My name is Victor Lopez Carmen, and I'm from Tucson, Arizona. I'm a member of the Crow Creek Sioux tribe, and I'm also a Yaqui. And first, I want to give thanks to God and the creator, who's made so many miracles and just made so much happen and protected me and my family. I also want to acknowledge and pay respect to the traditional peoples of this land, the Massachusetts and the Wampanoag. And I pay respect to their elders, past, present, and future. I want to give thanks also to my ancestors, who went through so much and just strived so much to protect our culture and our traditions. And I will always remember that those come before anything else. I want to thank my family. I want to thank my parents, who-- they've been taking me to ceremonies all my life, and I have so much thanks to give them to be at this one right now. To my little siblings, my three little siblings back there, you can do anything you want. My little sister recently told me she wanted to become a doctor, and that-- it wasn't so long ago that that wouldn't be possible with that intention. And you can do anything. I will always be here for you. I love you. Mom, Dad, I love you, and I thank you. Thank you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Claire Din. I'm from LA by way of Philly. And I'd first like to thank my family. They fled here as refugees of the Vietnam War with nothing. And so this white coat is a testament to the fear of the power of showing fearless love to people who come to this country with nothing. I'd also like to thank the communities I've called home for showing me how to live ethically and critically and engage meaningfully with others in pursuit of high quality, low cost care for everyone. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Sara Zarbi. I'm originally from Jordan. I want to start by thanking my family for everything, for every high and low. [SPEAKING ARABIC] I also want to thank my grandpa, [INAUDIBLE],, if you're watching, and [INAUDIBLE] for being there for me. I want to thank my family past and present, Zeb, Annie, and all the mentors and friends that have been in my life and given me everything and supporting me. It's truly a blessing to have you all. Last but not least, I want to thank God, [ARABIC],, for everything, as I'm truly blessed. Thank you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hi. I'm Rose Berman. I'm from Gaithersburg, Maryland and Marblehead, Massachusetts. And first, I'd like to thank my mentors who gave a history major the chance to learn about science-- Dr. Freddy Ascorsia, Peach Roike, and Veris Turkbe, as well as my cousin, Rafi, who inspired me to go into medicine. And of course, I'd like to thank my family, especially my aunts and uncles who are here today, and my parents who taught me and brought me so much joy and compassion. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. [ARABIC] My name is Amina. My family moved to Massachusetts from Algeria. I'd first like to thank all of my professors and mentors at Wellesley College, who have guided me through this arduous pre-medical journey as we're all familiar with. And most importantly, I'd like to thank my friends and family for their unconditional love and support. A special shout out to my siblings over there in the corner. They never failed to make me laugh. And most importantly to my parents-- without their sacrifices, I would not be here today. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, I'm James Pernesky. I'm from Madison, Alabama. First, I want to thank God for all the opportunities that I've had along the way. Next, I want to thank my family, my mom, my dad, my twin sister for believing in me, loving me, and supporting me through everything I've been through. And finally, I want to thank my friends and mentors at West Point that really taught me how to overcome anything. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everybody. My name's Amanda Joel, and I'm from Durham, North Carolina. I'd first like to thank my dad and my mom. Thank you so much for your unconditional love and support. I don't know what I would do without you, and thank you for being incredible role models and teaching me to care for others and to work hard. I don't know where I'd be without you both. I'd also like to thank my twin sister watching on Livestream. I love you, Ash. Thank you for being my best friend, my partner in crime, and the person I miss the most. And I'd also like to thank my incredible grandparents, friends, mentors, boyfriend, and family for being so supportive and loving. And last but not least, I want to give a special shout out to both my parents and Mary Grace and Robbie for being here. It's such a treat to have you all here. Thank you all. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name is Alexis Smith. I'm from Dexter, Missouri. And it's really surreal to be here. I remember watching these ceremonies as a little girl in my small bedroom, thinking that can never be possible for someone like me, as probably many of my classmates can share. I'd, first of all, like to thank my parents and my little sister. Dad, thanks for showing me work ethic and working tirelessly all the time. My little sister, I hope you know that anything's possible, and I believe in you and will support you fully no matter what you decide to do. And to my mom, who stepped on this journey with me at 16 years old, I am just so inspired by you and so thankful, and this white coat's for both of us. I'd also like to thank my family. Quick shout out to my grandma and grandpa, my Neeny and Papa and Granny that are watching Livestream. Thank you so much. To my mentors, to my friend, especially to McKenna, who has supported me so much and is my very best friend, I love you. And to the class of 2023, I'm so inspired by you. And to any other little girl, anyone that might be sitting watching this ceremony in their bedroom, anything's possible. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Yuxiao Wei. I was born in China and grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah. I would first like to thank my parents for working so hard and sacrificing so much to immigrate to the US and for providing me with every opportunity. They-- they've taught me all the values that I know and taught me the importance of and demonstrated the importance of working hard but also being happy. I would also like to thank my grandparents, who couldn't be here today. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]. Lastly, I would like to thank my mentors and friends for supporting me and helping me grow every day. I promise to not let you down. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. Hello, everyone. My name is Mitchell Winky, and I'm from Bridgeport, West Virginia. So first off, I just want to say thank you so much to my family, my friends, my mentors, who've been such a big part of my life, and they've supported me unconditionally through everything that I've been through. I wouldn't be on this stage without you. And lastly, I would like to give a special thank you to my loving fiancee, Abigail, who has been with me every step of the way, who has believed in me when I didn't believe in myself, and who yesterday, on her birthday, traveled for the majority of the day to share this moment with me. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. Oh, gosh. My name is Stacy Lin. I'm from Taipei, Taiwan and Bedford, New Hampshire. I would like to thank all of my teachers and mentors for instilling in me a passion for learning and a drive for excellence. I'd like to thank my best friend and my sister, Mabel, for showing me the true meaning of strength and compassion. To all of my friends and my partner, Andrew, for being the best support system I could ever ask for, and to my relatives in Taiwan, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH].. And finally, I'd like to thank my selfless and incredible parents, who are watching the Livestream from Taiwan. Your unconditional love and sacrifice is the reason I'm here today. I love you guys. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. I'm Bailey. I'm from Palmer Lake, Colorado, and I would first like to thank all my mentors at the Air Force Academy. You guys have pushed me to be the best person I can be. I would also like to thank Jim and Suzanne. You guys have been a second family to me. My grandparents, who have always given me a place to call home, and I love you guys so much. To my dad and my brother, who have just pushed me to do everything that I've ever wanted to do, I know that you always have that unconditional love for me. Thank you very much. And lastly, thank you to my mom, who really did show me that we can do anything that we want. And I hope I made you proud. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Jamie Shade. I'm from Millersville, Maryland, and I've lived in Baltimore for the past four years. I would first like to thank my parents for their hard work and sacrifice to make sure that myself and my five siblings could do what we love. Thank you so much. To my mom, you are the kind of physician that I want to be. Thank you. Thank you to my close friends, my teachers, especially Dr. Clark, and my second family, especially Taji. Thank you for teaching me what-- thank you for teaching me the meaning of joie de vivre, the joy of living. And thank you to my classmates and my future patients. I have so much to learn from you, and I'm so excited. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, all. My name is Erica Storm, and I am from South Arkansas. First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior for showing me through his mysterious ways, and I need to chill out, because he's got it. To my mom and dad here on the Livestream, thank you for teaching me that I can achieve anything by working hard and being humble. To the travel team for loving me and for giving me an extra five sets of Southern parents that I never asked for as a kid, but I love you endlessly. Thank you to my boyfriend for taking on the world with me. And finally, thank you to my Air Force family and mentors for showing me what it truly means to serve and for teaching me how to aim high. Thanks. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Hannah Zapari, and I'm from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I'd like to thank my mom, dad, siblings, Claire and Tristan, and my family who is not here today and not with us. I'd like to thank my friends, teammates, mentors, and coaches as well. Thank you for your sacrifices, continued support, and love. [APPLAUSE] Good afternoon. My name is Ria Malik, and I'm from Columbia, Maryland. And first of all, I'd like to thank each and every one of you for bearing the heat and for coming out to make this day so special for each of us. I feel blessed to stand here in front of each of you because of the support of incredible family, friends, and mentors who have made this day possible, and particularly my mother, who has shown me the meaning of sacrifice and believed in me like no other. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] My name is Ajay Nadig, and I'm from Cherry Hill, New Jersey. I want to thank my parents who love me and taught me how to work hard and chase my dreams. Dad, I hope to one day have the courage that you had in moving from South India to Salt Lake City by yourself. I also want to thank so many other family members. [INAUDIBLE],, and countless others in India who I think may or may not be watching right now. And lastly, I want to thank the friends in my life and my brother, Alok, Joseph Fay, and Daniel, who are here today. You make this life such a joy to live. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Kanika Kumal, and I'm from Baltimore, Maryland. And I just want to give the most profound thank you to my mom, my dad, my sister, to my close friends, who I very much consider to be a part of my family. Thank you so much for supporting me every step of the way in all aspects of the word "support." And I know without doubt that you will be there in my corner as this journey unfolds, and for that, I am forever grateful. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everybody. My name is Caitlin Lagituda. I'm from Davis, California. I am who I am because of my parents. And "thank you" doesn't begin to cover it. I'd especially like to thank my teachers, teammates, and friends, especially, above all, Whitney Burks, who helped me to recognize that this is something I could do. I also especially need to thank Hugo, Emma, Charlotte, Louis, Anne, Sophie, and JP for showing me kindness and filling my days with the best kind of chaos and love. I wouldn't be here without you. [APPLAUSE] [INAUDIBLE], everyone. My name is Annika Prasana, and I'm from Bridgewater, New Jersey. First off, Mom, thank you for your innumerable sacrifices and always being my biggest advocate. Chafata, thank you for always cheering for me. And to Pati, thank you for teaching me how to treat others with empathy and compassion and also teaching me to be a lifelong learner. And to my mentors and peers, thank you for always pushing me to be the best version of myself. I'm here with this white coat because of you all and humbled and honored to have this privilege to serve. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Brian Pepe Mooney. I'm from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I'd first like to thank my friends and all my mentors who have helped me along the way. I'd like to thank my girlfriend and partner, Sylvia Escudero. We've been on so many journeys together, and I'm excited for all the journeys we're going to take. Thank you to your parents, Lily and Alfonso, for being here today and for having me be a part of your family. And thank you to my family. Mom, Dad, Michael, you're an inspiration to me, and I wouldn't be here without you guys. I would like to leave all of you with a phrase that I say sort of every night at dinner, modified for this event. And it's that I'm thankful so much that we're here to enjoy this wonderful event. And love to all of your families and to my family and to those who can't be with us and to all of you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, I'm Raquel. I'm from Brooklyn. Oh, yeah. Hi, I'm Raquel. I'm from Brooklyn, New York. I just want to give a quick shout out to my Park Slope community. I want to thank my parents, each of my 12 siblings. I will do you a favor and not list all of them. You guys have made it easy to find role models, and you are the best siblings one could ask for. I want to thank the Chabad community for instilling in me the values that I still cherish. The Footsteps community-- the work-- the good work that they do cannot be overstated. People like me who have a dream need to find a way to get here, and they help us do that. I want to thank Hunter College, all of my mentors and great friends, the NIH community, and Harvard Now for welcoming me here. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello. My name is Sumita Strander. I'm from Albion, Michigan. And I'd like to thank my family, especially my parents and my brother, for their support, their sacrifice, and their wisdom. I'd also like to thank our dear family friends back home, as well as the professors, the teachers, and the mentors that I've had for their guidance and encouragement. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Miriam Singer, and I'm from Miami, Florida. I'd first like to thank my parents. You are truly my role models as I envision the caring and compassionate physician I hope to become. I would also like to thank my siblings, who have provided me with endless support and love my entire life. And I would like to thank two of my staunchest advocates, Chin Mei Pandit and Sarina Madavhan. You have really taught me what it means to truly be there for someone and have believed in me all the way. And finally, I would like to thank one of the most important mentors in my life, Dr. Cheryl Emk, for the guidance you've provided me over the last five years. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, my name is Ellen Zay, and I'm from Troy, Michigan. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family, friends, and mentors who have supported and believed in me. I would also like to thank my brother, Ray, who helped teach me to become a better person, and to my parents, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH].. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Mary Barber, and I am from Hohenwald, Tennessee. First and foremost, I'd like to thank God for giving me the passion to heal and help others and guiding me on this journey. I next want to thank my boyfriend, Avery, for being there for me and supporting me, even as I cried in a Chick-fil-A while studying for the MCAT. And I'd like to next thank my mentors, especially Dr. Javid Moslahi, for believing in me. My family, my sisters, my brother-in-law, my niece and nephew, and especially my parents for believing that I could get to Harvard from a small town in middle Tennessee. I love you so much. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, my name is Lucia Milam. I'm from Newton, Massachusetts, and thank you to my family, my friends, and my mentors, who have gotten me to this point, who I would not be here without and who I know will continue to carry me through this next phase. You all inspire me every day. And I hope I make you proud. [APPLAUSE] Hello. My name is Hannah Bender. I'm from Westchester, New York. It's such an honor to be here, and I'd like to take the opportunity to thank my family, my friends, and my mentors for all of your love, support, and guidance, especially to my parents, who are here with me today, as well as to my grandparents, who are watching on the livestream. And to my four siblings, I love you all so much, and I'm so lucky to have you in my lives. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. I'm Alexis from Chicago, Illinois. I want to thank my mom for always believing in me, my sister for always being my cheerleader, and thank you, Chris, for the sacrifices that you're willing to make over these next four years. To the rest of my friends and family, thank you so much. I love you all, and I wouldn't be here without you guys. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name is Janice Chu Ho Chung, and it's an honor to be with you all today. [SIGHS] It's really nice weather for a really great day, and I just want to say thank you to all my mentors and teachers and friends for all your support, for challenging me to grow every day, and making each stop such a memorable opportunity. And to my family watching from abroad and from farther in the US, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]. And most importantly, to my parents, who are with me today. Thank you. [CRYING] I couldn't have come here without you. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]. All your wisdom, your support, and your love has made me who I am today, and I look forward to another 130 days-- or 130 years together with you. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, my name is Rachel Hertz Royfe. I'm from New York City. I owe the biggest thank you to my parents for being my biggest cheerleaders and supporting me in all that I do. To my brothers, Daniel and Zack, for always leading by example. To all of my amazing friends and the incredible teachers I've had from kindergarten through college, who have inspired me and shaped me into the person I am today, thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello. I'm Matthew Godwin from Tampa, Florida. I want to take this time to thank my mother and father for making this possible, to my good friend, Juan Jose Juarez, for getting me through chemical engineering, and to Harvard for this great opportunity. Thank you, everybody. [APPLAUSE] Hi, my name is Sam Sadler. I'm from Dallas, Texas, born and raised. First, I'd just like to thank everyone who has encouraged, supported, and believed in me, my friends from home and from Duke, my neighbors who have all kind of helped raise me, and, of course, my brother, who's been my partner in crime for 20 years. And then, finally, just want to thank my parents. Mom and Dad, I cannot thank you enough for the sacrifices that you continue to make to afford me-- to empower me to pursue my opportunities and my passions. Thank you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name's Andrew. I'm from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I want to take this moment to thank my family and friends for being here. Shout out to my grandparents, my sister, Hilary, Qusay, and Will for joining. And especially thank you to my parents. I wouldn't be here without you, and I owe it all to you. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, my name is Jared Allswing, and I'm from Denver, Colorado. I would like to think, firstmost, my mom, dad, and grandparents for giving me all the love and support that I could have ever asked for, my brother and sister for being the greatest role models to me, my girlfriend for always being there to make me smile, my friends and extended family that have guided me on this path, and, last but not least, my dog, Pebbles, despite her always forcing me to play fetch when I try to study for the MCAT. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name is Carlo Dos Santos. I am from Caracas, Venezuela. I was raised in Miami, Florida. 305 'til I die. [CHEERING] First and foremost, I want to thank my parents. [SPEAKING SPANISH] Secondly, I want to thank my friends, especially Elie and Vero, who were able to make it here today. And having been raised in a city of immigrants, where we didn't have our extended families, we learned very quickly that our family was our family. I mean our friends were our family. And finally, I want to make this day about the people of Venezuela, who, every day, face incredible strife. And so this day is hopefully for a better future. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Pooja Shanshakar. I'm from Potomac Falls, Virginia. And first, I'd like to thank the two most incredible people in my life, my mom and dad. My dad has somehow made it to the third-- second row today. I have no idea. But yes, I'm not kidding. Thank you so much for holding my hand, literally, from the day that I was born and from the day that I took my first steps in these-- in this world, to the day today that I take my first steps into medicine. You all are the reason that I-- you both are the reason that I am who I am today. Thank you to my amazing grandmother, my Aji, who is here today from Bangalore, India. Your story inspires me every single day. And thank you to my incredible friends and mentors who pour their love and support into me and have brought me to this stage today. And finally, I'd like to end by-- I'm just-- by saying to the class of 2023, I am just so inspired and so moved by every single one of your stories. And I am just so excited to get to learn and live and grow with you these next few years. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everybody. My name is Dominic Falcon. I'm from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Having the incredible honor and privilege to wear this white coat, it reminds me of the symbolism that's behind this, the amount of tears and sacrifices and pain that people have gone through to get-- for me to represent all of you and to be here today. With that being said, I would like to thank everybody who has fought for me to have the right to stand here today. I would like to thank my family and friends, especially [INAUDIBLE] for their continued support they've given me, for all of my siblings, especially my sister Michaela, who's here today. Happy birthday, by the way. And last but not least, my mother, who as a single mother, she has made so many sacrifices, so many tears, so many sleepless nights, I'm sure, to get me where I am today. You have been the person that has supported me, that has loved me and has cared for me when nobody else did. I hope to be half the person that you are someday in my life. And last but not least, I would like to thank God for this privilege and blessing to be here today. I pray that he continues to guide us in humility as we continue this path. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name is Madison Zamora Hockaday. I am from Fairfax, Virginia. I would like to take my opportunity here on the stage to thank my parents, Meredith and Carlos. I think I see them there. Yeah-- for giving me all the resources I needed to pursue my interests and the confidence I needed to explore my potential. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my husband, Adam, for filling my life every day with so much love, happiness, and support. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi. My name is Jamie Yia. I'm from eastern Pennsylvania. First and foremost, I'd like to thank my mom and my dad for all the support they've given to me through the years, for always prioritizing my sister and me. I know that I can do what I can, because I know I have you guys. And I hope I can continue to make you proud. Thank you to my sister, Sarah, who always keeps it real, is always teaching me, and keeps me up to date on Twitter drama and memes, because I don't have one. Thank you to Jeff. You know what you mean to me. Thank you to my friends and mentors and teachers. A shout out to those who are watching on the Livestream. You've taught me what love and friendship can be like and have always pushed me to be a better person. And shout out to my dog, who was actually with me in Boston on my interview day and who my dad is convinced is the reason why I got here. [APPLAUSE] Hi. I'm Aza Vierga. I'm from Richmond, Virginia and Durham, North Carolina. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my parents for all of their sacrifices. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]. I also want to thank my grandmother for all of her prayers and love that got me to this place today. I want to thank my brothers, Solomon and Alex, who are my strongest supporters. I also want to thank my beautiful friends, my loving extended family, and all of my mentors without whom I would not be standing on this stage today. Thank you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hi. I'm Archana Fiduri. I'm from Cupertino, California, and spent my childhood in Hyderabad and Delhi. I would like to thank my mentors and everyone in the Goldberg Lab. Despite knowing so much, they had the humility to listen and value all my questions and ideas. And I'd also like to thank my parents, my sister and best friend, Rishika, who's taking pictures of me right there, and also my grandparents, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH].. No matter where I go, whenever I look back, I know you'll always be there behind me. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, my name is Katie Anie. I'm from Rochester, Minnesota. I'm so grateful to be here and so thankful to the mentors, to my grandparents, to my whole extended family, and to my friends that have become my family. You've picked me up, lifted me onto your shoulders, and taught me to reach for the stars. To my partner, Mason, thank you for bringing so much love and light into my life. And finally, to the most important people in my life, my mom and dad, thank you for making me who I am today, and I love you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hi. I'm Cameron. I'm from Alpharetta, Georgia. I want to start by thanking my mom, who inspired me to go into medicine by the dedication and compassion she gave and gives to her patients every day. I want to say a special thank you to my little sister, Cassidy, who I love so much. She keeps me humble. She's my best friend, and I'm so proud of the person she's become. And finally, I want to say a thank you to my wonderful boyfriend, Spencer, Emmy and Mumsy, who are all here to support me today. I wouldn't be here without the three of you, and I love you all so much. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name is Luis Cortina. I'm from Riverside, California. First of all, I would like to thank my mentors, who led by example and taught me the importance of devoting time to the future of others. I would also like to thank my siblings, Rana and Stephanie, my friend, Ian, my girlfriend, Sharon, for the endless support and love. I would like to thank all those that couldn't be here today for always constantly inspiring me and pushing me to be a better person. But most importantly, I would like to thank my parents for their sacrifices of coming to this country, of giving away their lifestyle for me to have my dreams make a reality. [SPEAKING SPANISH] [APPLAUSE] Hello, my name is Nicholas Freeman. I'm from Ashburn, Virginia. David, you are a source of light in my life, and you make this world such a more brilliant place. And I'm still, after all these years, trying to find the words big enough to hold my love for you. To my friends, to my brothers, Patrick and Franklin, to my mentors, to all the other members of my chosen family, thank you. As a queer and transgender person entering medicine, as a Latinx person entering medicine, I firmly believe that representation matters, and it is a prerequisite for justice. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is King Fok, and I'm from Hong Kong. And trust me when I say, I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for everyone who supported me and cared for me. And they're the first people who taught me how to care for others. So thank you to all my friends, my family, my parents, my sisters, my communities, and also for everyone who believes in me. You guys taught me how to believe in myself as well. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello. My name is Tristan Young, and I'm from Hillsboro, California. I would like to thank my family, my friends, my mentors, especially my dad, my mom, Chloe, and Cara for supporting me each and every step of my journey. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name is Shaida Parsayi, and I'm from Iran. We immigrated to Dallas, Texas about seven years ago, so it is truly an honor to be here, especially as an immigrant. I would like to thank my family, friends, grandparents, and mentors for believing in me, especially for my parents for sacrificing their life over and over again. To my big brother, Shayan, thank you for holding my hand every step of the way. You're simply the best. Because of you three, I was able to achieve all of my dreams. Thank you for the unconditional love and support. This white coat belongs to you. To the very first physician I've ever met, my uncle Ali, thanks for inspiring me. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name is Trevor Kester, and I'm from Somerset, Wisconsin. First and foremost, I'd like to thank God for his grace and for bringing me here today. I'd like to thank all my family, especially my parents, for teaching me sacrifice, my siblings for teaching me resilience and patience, my grandma for teaching me compassion, my wonderful fiancee, Pam, for making me a better person every day. You're all the reason I'm here today, and you're the reason I am who I am today. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Alice Lee, and I'm from Rockville, Maryland. First of all, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH].. [INAUDIBLE],, thank you for moving to Boston here with me and helping me be strong when I feel weak. And thank you to all of my friends, family, and mentors without whom I could not be here today. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi. My name's Jessica Sun, and I'm from Potomac, Maryland. I just want to thank my friends, Amanda and Steph, who are watching from afar, my partner, James, my mentors, my family both here and in China. To my parents, thank you for the thousands of miles you've traveled to be in this country, all the sacrifices you've made for me, Emma, and Alex, and for just putting up with me when I was at my worst, just so I could be standing here today. Thanks. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name is Jenny Kim, and I'm from northern Virginia. I'm very humbled to be here today. First of all, I want to take the time to thank my family. You guys have always supported me and loved me. Thank you. I couldn't have done it without you guys. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name is Kyra Yong Kim, and I'm originally from Korea. I first want to thank my friends and my younger sister, QiYoon, and my boyfriend, Rob, who's here today, for supporting me, lifting me up, and believing in me more than I believed in myself. And to my mom, who sacrificed so much to immigrate to this country as a single mother. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]. And lastly, to my grandmother, whose lifelong dream wants to serve others through the practice of medicine. [INAUDIBLE],, this white coat is for you. [APPLAUSE] I had a whole thing, but then I just forgot it when I walked up here. My name is Aldis Petrzczeks. I'm from Palo Alto, California. I just want to first thank my god, whose love and compassion is my most potent calling to be with the suffering. I also want to thank the faculty at Kenyon College, who turned this lazy, strange kid from northern California into a diligent, even stranger kid from rural Ohio. I want to thank my friends at Kenyon, whose brilliance and vulnerability really helped me grow and understand my fears and doubts and how to bring that to healing of others. I want to thank my little sister who's here. I owe at least half of the oddities and contradictions in my personality to your weird blend of sarcasm and exuberance. I want to thank my girlfriend, Hannah. Your conversation and your incomprehensible compassion challenge me every day to be a better person. My big sister, whose unsolicited advice was a huge part of why I even decided to go into medicine, and then I got into this medical school. And then most of all, my parents-- I just do not say it enough. And I don't think I could say it enough, but I really do profoundly love you and appreciate you. And it's just-- it's quite embarrassing that I can ever find quite the right words to say, but just know that I'm undyingly grateful for everything you've given. And thank you guys for being an incredible class. [APPLAUSE] Hi. My name is Melanie Gandhi. I'm from Newton, Massachusetts, and I want to give a huge, huge thank you to my parents for all your incredible love and support and encouragement. I love you both so, so much, and I can't thank you enough. I want to thank my younger brother, Kavish, for being the best brother I could ask for, being such a kind, wonderful person. I want to thank my grandparents, my [INAUDIBLE] and Bumpa and my Dada and Dadi. I want to thank my wonderful boyfriend, Eli, all my friends and mentors. Thank you so much. I'm so excited to be here. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. I'm Nia Krasnow. I'm from Palo Alto, California. I have to start off by thanking my parents, my mom and my dad, who have given me everything. And you have shown me what it means to live endlessly passionate and fulfilled lives. I also have to thank my sister, who couldn't be here today, but who's my best friend and who is the most selfless person I know. I also have to thank Henry and Joe, who have added so much to our family. My mentors, Erlia, Ron, and Sue, who have supported me through everything, and my close friends who have taught me that you can work really hard, but also live a very silly, goofy, fun, balanced life. So thank you. [APPLAUSE] Good afternoon. My name is Navid Gafari. I'm from Cleveland, Ohio and Southern California. I want to give a big, big shout out and thank you to my family who's come a long distance here-- aunts, uncles, cousins from Atlanta, Cleveland, Utah, grandparents, grandpa who came from Iran. Thank you for being here. I'm so thankful to have my lovely girlfriend, Pauline, who came from Chicago to be here. From Paris until now, we've had some amazing journeys, and I look forward to the future. To those who aren't here, mentors, tennis coaches, piano instructors, high school teachers, college teachers, I think I learned a little bit of something from all of you, and I would not be here without your guidance. To my immediate family, my sister, you've taught me a lot about patience. You're very fiery, and I love all the laughs that we've had and we'll continue to have. To my dad, whereas some other kids may have been listening to radio, pop songs, we were listening to NPR, so I learned a lot about car talk on the weekends. He always made sure that I was grounded. I really love your teasing of me, calling me a nerd when it was finals week, and you said, why aren't we watching a movie? And your interaction with your patients inspires me. And lastly, to my mom, you are the rock of the family. Thank you for taking me to every sports practice, every event. You always picked the school before you picked our home. You taught me the value of education, and you taught me just how to be a good person and a gentleman, so thank you very much. I love you all. Merci. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name is Tatiana Winkelman. I'm from Lexington, Massachusetts. And I'd first like to thank all my teachers and friends, my coaches and teammates, who have always been my second family and always will be my second family, and then my true family-- Mom, Dad, Jack, and Natalia-- you guys inspire me every day. You supported me and cared for me, and I really wouldn't be here without you all. I'm so grateful to be so close to home and have such a loving family. I love you guys. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everybody. My name is JC Pankius. I'm from Sterling, Virginia. And I'd like to thank my entire family, but especially Mom. Thank you for teaching me what it means to love and be loved. To Dad, for teaching me the power of a positive attitude, and to my siblings, Rhianna and Anthony, for constantly challenging me and inspiring me in the ways that only siblings can do. You mean so much, and I'll always look out for you. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Jocelyn Rodriguez, and I'm from Yuma, Arizona. First and foremost, I'd like to thank God for all of his blessings and for constantly placing me outside my comfort zone. I'd like to thank my brothers for playing doctor with me as a kid. I guess it worked. I'd like to thank my sister-in-law, my niece, my nephews, my family, friends, and mentors at the Naval Academy, and especially my parents. Mom, Dad, thank you so much for being brave and moving to this country so that I could have a better life. You taught me what it means to love and to live my life for someone else. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]. [APPLAUSE] Hi, my name is Rachel Stoddard. I'm from Chestertown, Maryland. I want to echo all my classmates in thanking my friends, family, and mentors, who supported me up to this point. And thank you so much specifically to my mom and dad who are in the audience today. I am so grateful for your support, and I promise to use the foundation that you gave me to help uplift and improve the lives of others. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Good afternoon. My name is Rachel Winberg, and I grew up in Carlisle, Massachusetts. I want to thank my many mentors, my extended family, and my grandparents, who traveled here to share this day with me. I especially want to thank my older sister, Ruthie, for being my best friend and my role model and for always being there for me. Most of all, thank you to my mother and father for their sacrifices and their unending love, guidance, and encouragement. You've shaped me into the person who I am today, and I'm so grateful. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Jason Qiuwang. I'm from Los Angeles, California. First, I want to thank my wonderful parents. Thank you, Mom. Thank you, Dad, for all your love and care and for all the sacrifices you made in coming to this country. I know I don't say this enough, but I love you both very, very much. I also want to thank my older brother, Sean, for being the most chill dude ever, and he's also a great mentor and sibling. Many, many times I've been told that I have big shoes to fill, because he's a really great guy. But every time I look up to you, I feel immensely proud. I also want to thank my amazing partner, Joyce, and my friends near and far for being in the loving community they are to support me through thick and thin. And finally, to my relatives in Wuhan, China, I know this is posted on YouTube and not Youku, so in case you have VPN, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH].. [APPLAUSE] Hello, everyone. My name is Zoe Levine. I'm from Fairfax, California. Mom, thank you for showing me that girls can drive trucks and do anything. Dad, thank you for showing me what it means to think hard, work hard, and do what you love. Roberta, thank you for expanding my definition of family. Thank you so much for being here, all three of you. And lastly, I want to say thank you to my grandfather for teaching me the beauty of hearing other people's stories. I hope to use this white coat to hear the stories that most need to be told. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Wendy Sun. I'm from Falls Church, Virginia. And first and foremost, I want to thank my loving family, my father, Sam, and my mother, Sharon, who have given up everything and provided everything for me to be here, who have taught me the value of hard work and to strive for excellence and to never settle for anything but the best. I want to thank my sister, Zia, and my brother, Will, who keep me young and inspire me to be the best that I can. I also want to thank my beautiful friends, who have supported me every step of the way on this long journey, and my fearless mentors, who taught me that it's possible to be a successful woman in science and medicine. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Jordan Middleton, and I'm from Auburn, New York. I'd like to start off by thanking my older brother, Justin. You've been my single greatest influence and role model, and I'm so excited to be joining you in Boston as we both realize our dreams of becoming dentists. I'd like to thank my little brother and sister, Owen and Leah. Together you guys are the light of my whole entire life, and I've loved every second getting to watch you guys grow up into the great kids that you are. And most importantly, I'd like to thank my mom and dad. You guys know it, but without you guys, without your constant love and support for me and our entire family, none of this would be possible, so thank you. I love you guys. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. I'm Christina Bulino. I'm from Vienna, Virginia, for all the Northern Virginia people here. So first, I want to thank God, who teaches me how to love in new ways every single day. And if not for his blessings, I wouldn't be here today. After that, I really want to thank my grandfather, who's watching from Rapid City. All the sacrifices that you and Grams have made, [CRYING] I'm so humbled by. And if I can be half of what-- if I can turn my career into half of the work that you've done for the state of South Dakota and your selfless commitment to all of your patients, I will be a very fulfilled woman. I also want to thank my mom, my dad, Julianne, Scott, my siblings, Aunt Susan, Uncle Mike, Aunt Debbie, Uncle Gus. All of you guys that came here today, thank you so much. Thank you for everything. I can't even ever encapsulate it in this little bit, but you've sacrificed so much for me. I can never repay you. I love you so much. And thank you to all my friends watching. You know who you are. You've been my biggest cheerleaders along with my family. I am so humbled that I have you in my life. So thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Jason, and I'm from Hacienda Heights, California. First, I just want to thank all the families that I have, both blood and chosen, to have enabled this opportunity for me today. I want to thank especially my parents, my mom, my dad, my brother, Howard, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH].. You've shown me love and care in so many countless, different, interesting ways from the struggles and sacrifices you made in your immigration to the bowls of cut fruit you always slid to me wordlessly, I love you all so much, and I hope I can make you proud. To my friends who are the brightest spots of joy and love and all that gross stuff in the world, thank you. Wherever my career goes, I'll always be proudest of being friends with you. So thank you all so much. [APPLAUSE] Hi, my name is Susanna. I'm from Gaithersburg, Maryland. Thank you, Mom. Thank you for telling me so many times that your dream is for me to become the best dentist that I can be. I hope to make you proud. Thank you to my dad. You are so kind, so strong, and so humble. Thank you to my siblings and my cousins, Sara Ann, Malachi, Shauna, Lon, and Kamali. Thank you to my grandparents for watching this, just like they have watched every single one of my concerts and ceremonies. Thank you to my loving boyfriend, Alex, for picking up his life and driving nine hours up to Boston and for telling me every day that he is so proud of me. Thank you for all of my friends, the rest of my family members, and my present and future teachers, professors, and mentors for all of your support. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. I'm Nikki Altatooni, and I'm from Irvine, California. First of all, it's such an amazing privilege to be standing here today. I'm especially grateful for all my teachers, mentors, and friends who have gotten me here. I also want to give a special thanks to my family, my parents, Parveen and Kahan, and my sister, Shalise. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]. You've given me so much motivation, support, and love throughout the years. I'm so excited for everything that's to come. [APPLAUSE] Hey, y'all. My name is Anna Bullock. I am from Augusta, Georgia. I would just like to thank my mom for her support today and every day. I would like to thank my dad for his constant supply of lame dad jokes, and the rest of my family and friends for their constant encouragement. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, my name is Laura DeRienzo. I'm from Niskayuna, New York. First to my mom and dad, thank you for giving me a life filled with love and joy. And to my siblings, Nick, Anna, Mia, now Carly, you guys are my best friends, and I love you. Happy to join you in Boston. And to my boyfriend who's watching on livestream, hi, and I love you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Franklin Zang. I come from Plano, Texas, and before anything, I'd love to give a special shout out to both my parents who are over there. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]. I also want to give a shout out to my sister, who came here from DC. She's always a phone call away from me, and thank you so much for showing what unconditional love is and for being a good person to everyone around you, no matter if they're good to you or bad to you. I also want to give a shout out to two of my friends who came here today. Thank you for making it. Y'all are the best. Thank you, Natalie and Kevin. And I also want to give a thanks to all my mentors along the way, who have taught me so much. My mentors in Texas and my mentors abroad and my unofficial family in Argentina, thank you so much. And honestly, before this week, I had some doubts. I was nervous, but I was excited and nervous at the same time. But after listening to all of you, I feel so inspired, and I honestly can't wait to enter this profession that's dedicated to, you know, caring for others and being lifelong learners. Thank you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hi, I'm Stephen Chris. I'm from Cypress in Southern California. I'd first like to thank those who are close to me, including my partner and my two best friends, who I think are watching right now. Thank you for the experiences, the conversations that have brought me here. I'd especially like to thank my mom and dad, my older sister, and my two younger brothers. I know I don't get to see you guys as often as I would like anymore, but every day I get to spend with you guys is worth years to me, so thank you so much. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. My name is Alicia Nanjee, and I'm from Toronto, Canada. So just to start off, I want to thank my family. To my dad who came to Canada from Uganda with $23 as a refugee, thank you for showing me the meaning of hard work, discipline, and grit. To my mom, thank you so much for your unconditional support, love, and sacrifices. To my older sister, Sophia, thank you so much for being such an incredible and amazing role model. And to my twin sister, I'm so excited to begin this journey with you. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everyone. I know it's a bit-- my name is Natasha. I know it's a very long ceremony, and it's super hot, but I wanted to reassure you that, yes, you are seeing double. So I don't want to sound like a tape recorder, since Alicia already thanked our family once, but once would never be enough. Even twice as not, but to my mom, dad, Sophia, and everyone else who has helped us along the way, thank you so much for your love and support. We would not be here today without you. I love you guys. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hello. My name is Margot. I'm from the San Francisco Bay Area. I would not be wearing this coat. I literally would not be here without the counsel and love of my family. We are here to celebrate today, but you were the ones who pick me up when I need it. I'm so grateful that you've come all the way from California to share today with me, and I'm thinking of the people dear to me who weren't able to make it, especially my sister. Marina, you coached me through the MCAT. We sat side by side over secondaries, and in two weeks, you'll be putting on your own white coat. I'm so proud of us. Lastly, to my peers and my teachers, I am humbled by your eloquence. I'm inspired by your stories. I can't wait to make this home together. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Hi, everybody. My name is Jonah. I'm from Dallas, Texas. I'd like to thank my eighth grade science teacher for telling me, I probably wouldn't pass freshman biology. That was some good reverse psychology, so. In a very real sense, I'd like to thank my Omi and Papi who are watching in Tyler, Texas right now. I'd like to thank my brother and sister, Regan and Noah. They mean a lot to me. I'd like to thank the Riddick family-- Frank, Carol, Anderson, thank you for the stimulation, the love, the support, the encouragement. And I'd like to thank my mom. She has taught me more than anybody what it means to give and give and give as a single mother supporting three children. I just couldn't have asked for a better role model and a better mother. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] OK, last one. I just want to start by saying thank you to all the family who have stayed through all of this. Thank you. I know the class of 2023 really appreciates your support. Hi, everyone. My name is Azan Verji. I am-- I was born and raised in Mwanza, Tanzania, which is in East Africa. I want to start by thanking God. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]. I also want to thank my parents, my mom and my dad, who unfortunately could not be here, but who are hopefully watching live. Thank you for all the sacrifices you have made, and we did this together. I also want to thank my extended family, who made it out here today. Thank you for all your love and for all your support. I also want to take a second to thank Harvard Medical School as well. It's not every single day that you find a student from 6,000 miles away on this stage with this opportunity. So thank you very much for that. And also, a big shout out to +255 country code, Mwanza, East Africa, the city that made me who I am today and sparked my interest in medicine. Thank you so much. And lastly, to all the immigrants out there who are trying to build a future for themselves in this country for themselves and for their families, all I have to say for all of you is we are out here, and we've been here, and we belong here. Bless up. Thank you. [APPLAUSE] Thank you. And I'm Ed. I'm from East Brunswick, New Jersey, and my mother is still alive and well in her 90s. And she occasionally creeps on to the livestreams of Harvard Medical School events. So Mom, if you're watching, I just want to give a-- say thank you for your unconditional love and support and say to these students that don't forget the love and gratitude never ends. Remember that. We're going to be closing our ceremony with a really amazing tradition, the recitation of an oath. Now you may think that an oath is something you take a graduation, and there, indeed, is a millennial old tradition of doctors and dentists taking an oath at graduation. But one of the amazing things about coming to medical or dental school is that you actually start caring for patients as a student. This is a little different from many other professional schools, where you're not actually engaged in the profession in quite the same way. And so it's really four years too late to take your oath when you graduate. And so during this first week, which has been called Introduction to the Profession, a committee of the class has been putting together and writing an original class oath that they're going to be reciting now. They're going to be led in their oath by Dr. Fidencio Saldana and Dr. Sang Park. I'm going to ask all of the students to stand please, and ask Sang and Fidencio to come and lead the class in the class oath. And what we'll actually have you do is turn around and face your loved ones as you recite the oath. And say hello. [SIDE CONVERSATIONS] [APPLAUSE] And we will begin. Today, we embark on a lifelong journey to become physicians and dentists. In this endeavour, we honor the centrality of the patient to our profession. We acknowledge the privilege inherent in working alongside patients in their most vulnerable states and vow to meet this vulnerability with empathy and compassion. We pledge to approach each patient with humility, recognizing their humanity, and understanding their unique stories, experiences, and cultures. We will respect the confidentiality of our patients and maintain their privacy. To provide the highest quality of care, we pledge to internalize the difference between disease and person and to bridge the merits of our medical training with the belief systems held by patients. We pledge to learn from and, with each patient, to listen with the intent to understand and to build and renew mutual trust in the process that is their health journey. We pledge to become our patients' strongest advocates. In service to our patients, we commit to reflect on, to address our biases, values, privileges, and needs. We pledge to have the courage to seek guidance when we feel we are not enough. We will nurture our mind, body, and spirit in a way that promotes self-improvement. We pledge to remember where we came from and to honor those who guide and inspire us. As a community of peers dedicated to excellence, learning, practicing, and teaching medicine, we recognize that we are not alone in our mission to care for other human beings. We pledge to embrace the richness of our individual journeys and their contributions to their collective identity of our class. Embedded in our diversity of life experiences, our lessons and viewpoints we will offer each other. We pledge to foster an inclusive community that'll uplift our peers, ensure each individual voice is heard, and advocates for voices that remain unheard. Moreover, we recognize that we all work within [INAUDIBLE] system. We pledge to work with and learn from each member of this community, understanding that holistic care can not be delivered by any one person acting alone. We vow to uphold the highest standards of integrity and to hold each other accountable. We thank those who have nurtured us and stand aware of our immense privilege. We recognize our responsibility to our communities and to the world. In order to alleviate the suffering of people across all cultures, customs, and identities, we pledge to acknowledge the structural violence that medicine continues to inflict on marginalized communities and individuals. In response, we vow to partner with and empower these communities to obtain justice and promote equity in health care. To this end, we pledge to advance medicine through research, discovery, scholarship, and community engagement. Most of all, we pledge to consistently envision and work towards a future with greater hope and less suffering. [APPLAUSE] Well done. Thank you. [INAUDIBLE] If everyone could have a seat again, there are translations in seven different languages of the oath around the tent. And in a moment, we're going to be moving to the society open houses to which you're all invited to have a little party and celebration. But first, I just want to say a word in closing to our entering class, because I really was so inspired by the oath that you composed this week and just recited and pledged together. I'm inspired by so many things that you highlighted in your oath, but I was especially interested and inspired by the very direct way that you pledge collaboratively to attain justice and promote equity in health care. You know, in today's world, it's actually more important than ever to conceptualize your role not just as providing the best possible care you can to each of your patients, but also for advocating the structural changes that are needed to address disparities in care between populations of patients and to promote health equity and justice. And you know, our profession is a noble one. But many people think that American medicine has been losing respect in recent years, some questioning the very integrity of American medicine. They say not only that American-- that our systems are failing our patients, but they say that medicine itself has lost its way. They say that the honorable physician is part of a dying order. And so I wanted to conclude our ceremony today with a story about respect. It's actually a universal story. It's been told in some variation in almost all of the world's sacred traditions. This particular version comes from the Hasidic tradition, but a similar story is attributed to Ramana Maharshi in the Hindu tradition to St. Paul in the Christian tradition to the Sufi masters in the Muslim tradition and others. This version comes from an 18th century Jewish scholar, and it's called The Rabbi's Gift. The Rabbi's Gift. The story concerns a monastery that had fallen on hard times. Once a great order, cultural changes over the last few hundred years had sapped its strength. All of its branch houses were closed, and there were only five months left in the decaying mother house. The abbot and four others, all over 70 years of age-- clearly, it was a dying order. In the deep woods surrounding the monastery, there was a little hut that a rabbi from a nearby town occasionally used for a hermitage the monks could always sense when the rabbi was in the woods and during one such visit, it occurred to the abbot to pay the rabbi a visit and to ask if he might have some advice that could save the monastery. The rabbi welcomed the abbot at his hut, but when the abbot explained the purpose of his visit, the rabbi could only commiserate with him. "I know how it is," he said. "The spirit has gone out of the people. It's the same in my town. Almost no one comes to the synagogue anymore." So the old men wept together. They read parts of sacred scriptures and spoke quietly of deep things. When the abbot finally rose to leave, they embraced again, and he asked again, "Is there nothing you can tell me to help me save my dying order?" "No, I'm sorry," the rabbi responded. "I have no advice to give. The only thing I can say is that one of you is the messiah." When the abbot returned to the monastery, his fellow monks gathered around him to ask, well, what did the rabbi say? "He couldn't help," the abbot answered. "We just wept and read holy scriptures together, although just as I was leaving, he did say something rather strange. He said that the messiah is one of us. I don't know what he meant." In the days and weeks that followed, the old monks pondered this and wondered whether there was any possible significance to the rabbi's words. The messiah is one of us-- could he have possibly meant one of us monks here at the monastery? If so, which one? Do you suppose he meant the abbot? Yes, if he meant anyone, he probably meant Father Abbot. On the other hand, he might have met Brother Eldrid-- certainly-- I'm sorry, Brother Thomas. Brother Thomas is certainly a holy man. He certainly could not have meant Brother Eldrid. Eldrid is always so crotchety, though come to think of it, Eldrid is virtually always right, often very right. Maybe the rabbi did mean Brother Eldrid, but certainly not Brother Philip. Philip is so passive, a real nobody. But then, almost mysteriously, he has a gift for somehow always being there when you need him. Maybe Philip is the messiah. Of course, the rabbi didn't mean me, each of them thought in turn about themselves. He couldn't possibly have meant me. I'm just an ordinary person. Yet suppose he did. Suppose I am the messiah. Oh, god, not me, each thought. I couldn't be that much for the others. As they each contemplated in this manner, the old monks began to treat each other with extraordinary respect on the off chance that one among them might be the messiah. And on the off off chance that each monk himself might be the messiah, they began to treat themselves with extraordinary respect. So it happened that people still occasionally came to visit the monastery to picnic on its green lawn, to wander along its many paths, even to sit in the old chapel to meditate. As they did so, without even being conscious of it, they sensed this aura of extraordinary respect that now began to surround the five old monks and seemed to radiate out from them and permeate the atmosphere of the place. Hardly knowing why, they began to come back to the monastery more frequently to picnic, to play, to pray. They began to bring their friends to show them this special place, and their friends brought their friends. Then it happened that some of the younger visitors started to talk more and more with the old monks. After a while, one asked if he could join them. Then another. Then another. And within a few years, the monastery had once again become a thriving order and, thanks to the rabbi's gift, a vibrant community of spirituality and light. Well, my message to you today should be obvious. Not just one of you, but every one of you, you are the ones who will redeem American medicine. You are the ones. And we, your teachers, your parents, your loved ones, your faculty, your supporters, your advisors, we are all here to challenge you, to support you, to nurture you as you embark on this incredible journey with us together. On Monday, we welcomed you to the Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Today, we welcome you to the profession. Welcome. [APPLAUSE] Once again, thanks to our students, family, friends. We invite you to join us in the Society Learning Studios for an open house. You're welcome to take more pictures. It's a great celebration. Enjoy the rest of the day. [APPLAUSE] [SIDE CONVERSATIONS] Very well done. Very nice. That was wonderful. Thank you. [SIDE CONVERSATIONS]
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Channel: Harvard Medical School
Views: 74,805
Rating: 4.7752066 out of 5
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Length: 173min 12sec (10392 seconds)
Published: Fri Aug 09 2019
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