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"If you want something you've never had, you have to do something you've never done." -- Dua Elayan Obeidallah

Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to address the Montclair State graduating class of 2003. It is a great honor for me to have been selected as the senior speaker at this year's commencement.

Traditionally, graduation speeches are focused on the future. But today, I would like to focus on my past and the journey that brought me here today. No one story has a single author. Family, friends, teachers, people who simply love us, all help create our stories.

This is my story. I am the daughter of Palestinian immigrants, the oldest of six children. I am very grateful to my parents. They sacrificed and endured a tremendous amount for my siblings and for me. More than anything else, today is for them.

When I graduated from Holy Rosary Academy high school in 1989, I had hoped to continue my education and become the first woman in my family to get a college degree. Unfortunately, this was not meant to be. I went on to get married and my husband and I had three beautiful children--Amin, Muna and Maha. I was perfectly happy being at home, but I began to feel that there was something missing from my life.

What I wanted more than anything was to go to college. I wanted to better myself as a person. I wanted my life to make a difference, especially as a Muslim woman, as Islam emphasizes the idea that the pursuit of knowledge is a duty incumbent on every Muslim. My husband and my family were very supportive and encouraged me to go back to school. Without their help as well as the strength I receive from my religious faith, I would not be standing here in front of you today.

Proudly watching the commencement ceremony were Obeidallah's children (from left) Amin, Muna and Maha, and her husband, Bassam.

The decision to enter college was both very exciting and scary. I did not know what to expect and I hoped that going back to school was the right decision. It did not take long for me to realize that I had made the right decision. I was truly happy being in college. I enjoyed being in class, meeting different people, learning different things.

College taught me to feel free to express my opinions. Every day I became more confident, more aware and more open-minded. I am grateful for the dedication of the Montclair State faculty whom I have encountered over the years. I am especially grateful for the encouragement that they gave me to hold on to the things that I believe in.

A huge part of who I am today emerged during my years at Montclair State University. I became a linguistics major, learned to appreciate the richness of various languages and cultures and now have plans to become a public school teacher of English as a second language. While I know that not every dream of ours will be realized and that not every endeavor will be completed, I want to encourage young people, including my own children, to believe that with enough dedication almost every goal can be achieved.

My words for all of you who are graduating today are these: If you want something you've never had, you have to do something you've never done. On this very special day, I ask you to take a few minutes and reflect on your life. Think about where you have been and where you are headed. In recent days and years, we have been confronted with horrifying events--sad reminders that our world has become a smaller, unsettled place to live. But remember that each one of us can help make a difference.

As we prepare to write the next challenging chapter of our stories, let us remember this day, and those who helped us reach this important destination. Then let's prepare to take those first steps and begin our new, exciting journey toward the future.

Congratulations and peace be with you one and all.

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