Tana Session to 2019 AIU Graduates: “The Journey is Just Beginning”
Completing a college degree requires time and dedication. Pushing forward and completing a college degree also exhibits perseverance that not all people possess – a continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure or opposition. Although the journey may be long and demanding, the end result can potentially lead to greater opportunities and experiences!
On June 21 and July 26, 2019, award-winning speaker, best-selling author, certified career-life coach, and self-empowerment advocate Tana M. Session will share her story of success with AIU’s graduating class of 2019. Tana’s is a story of a woman who persevered through hardships and conquered them by "using her adversities as FUEL and not EXCUSES."
Tana Session has been chosen to give the commencement speech at two of AIU’s 2019 graduation ceremonies to be held in Houston and Atlanta. Tana, recognized as a Huffington Post “Top Female Experts to Follow,” will address nearly 900 graduates and their supporters.
Fighting Adversity and Helping Others
Tana was born into the New York City foster care system in Harlem, New York. She suffered from physical, verbal, and sexual abuse and homelessness at various points throughout her life, and she battled depression and suicidal thoughts as a result. Yet, Tana chose to rise above her misfortunes. She built a successful career in public speaking and coaching, which began as an administrative assistant for Ernst & Young.
Today, Tana is the author of three books and has written articles for Forbes.com, Recruiter.com, and BlackEnterprise.com. She has been a featured guest on several syndicated radio and television programs, podcasts, and blog talk radio shows. Tana shares her life and career lessons with her audiences and clients so they may learn from her personal experiences. She inspires others to define their purpose and to shine in their lives, relationships, and professions.
Connect and Grow as a Student
Tana, an AIU alumni, believes new graduates must remember this milestone is just the start of something more. Venture out. Keep learning. Find a mentor. It can be important to reach out to others for assistance when pursuing your degrees. Tana urges graduates:
“Align yourself with a mentor in the industry or position you desire. Not only can a mentor guide you, but he or she can help you learn through the mistakes they’ve already made. Being authentic and transparent will help you succeed.”
It’s also important to remember that Mentorship isn’t one-sided. Tana reminds graduates to know their responsibilities as mentees so their relationships may thrive. Communicate, participate and listen to your mentors, and be open to coaching, feedback and guidance.
Strive for Even More!
Earning a college degree is a significant achievement. However, this milestone is only part of the journey. Tana encourages graduates to celebrate but pursue additional objectives afterward. The journey is just beginning. Continue to strive to do more, be more and get more. Don’t get comfortable. But do give yourself permission to celebrate your wins along the way!
American InterContinental University’s 2019 commencement ceremonies will be held in Houston on June 21, Atlanta on July 26, and Chicago on August 10, 2019. Find additional graduation information, including hotel accommodations and commencement schedules, on the AIU Commencement webpage.
*AIU cannot guarantee employment or salary.
REQ1439749 6/19