Fox Cities News

Eli Tranel, a recent graduate from the College of Education and Human Services at West Bend, delivered an impassioned speech during his commencement ceremony. In his address, Tranel highlighted the trials and tribulations that he and his fellow graduates had faced during their college years.

"Good afternoon, allow me to extend a warm welcome," began Tranel. He humorously recalled some of his eccentric campus activities, including pole vaulting and climbing ropes. He also mentioned a viral video of a pole-vaulting mishap that had earned him some notoriety.

"Today, however, we stand united, not as individuals defined by differences, but as a collective force that has conquered barriers, embraced lessons, and transformed challenges into triumphs," said Tranel. While acknowledging the importance of academic achievements such as Dean’s List or Honor Roll accolades and All-American Awards, he emphasized that the true essence of their celebration went beyond these accolades.

Tranel spoke about the sacrifices made and challenges overcome by students. These included early morning classes, sleep deprivation, study sessions at Polk library, mental health struggles, toxic relationships, moving away from home comforts and facing judgment for academic struggles.

He acknowledged the challenge of choosing majors – a struggle he personally experienced as he changed his major multiple times before finally settling on education. "It took time to realize that college is not a rigid path but a time of skill acquisition," he shared.

During his time at UWO, Dr. Slagter suggested viewing college not as a funnel leading to a narrow career but as an opportunity to acquire diverse professional skills. This advice helped Tranel understand that it was less about what you do than how passionately you do it.

In conclusion, Tranel shared a quote by Teddy Roosevelt found among his late grandfather's belongings: “The joy of living is his who has the heart to demand it.” This quote resonated with him and encapsulated his message to his fellow graduates.

"Class of 2024, my fellow Titans, let us leave this institution not just as graduates but as ambassadors of change. The challenges we faced in college were not mere obstacles; they were steppingstones that have prepared us for the journey ahead," Tranel concluded.