“I was shaking and I hugged the president and his secretaries. I like hugged them all.” This was Albright College Senior Jaya Minhas’ reaction when she first found out President Lex McMillan, Ph.D. chose her as the Class of 2017 commencement speaker. 

 

Minhas’ honor as commencement speaker is well deserved. As a double major in French and Spanish with a minor in Women & Gender Studies, Minhas has traveled abroad to France, presented her research at the largest undergraduate national research conference (NCUR), and worked several internships, all while maintaining a perfect GPA. 

 

Future Plans 

“Whatever I do I want to be happy,” said Minhas. Additionally, she wants low stress levels, to learn how to live with uncertainty, to continue her love for academia by teaching and achieving her Ph.D., and “to marry Tucker.” She would like to become a professor one day, but right now, she wants to focus on recognizing that “I don’t know where life is gonna take me so I would like to learn how to adapt to change more easily.” 

 

When asked about her dream job, Minhas immediately replied “I actually would like to be Beyoncé." Realistically, she further explained that she would like a career where she is able to empower marginalized communities and put her love for languages and interpersonal skills to work. 

 

Speaking for Unity 

Minhas provided a sneak peek about what to expect from her commencement speech. “My goal is for it to resonate with as many people as possible. To make them laugh but to also touch their hearts. I want a feeling of unity on that day,” stated Minhas. 

 

In addition, Minhas gave “this little little hint...I want it to be less of a personal thing about me and something more about the Class of 2017 to speak to how resilient and determined they have been to get to this point.” 

 

Words of Wisdom for Undergraduate Students 

Minhas suggested that undergraduate students take every opportunity that comes their way because college speeds by fast. She provided this piece of advice, which is reassuring for not only undergraduates, but people of all ages: “Don't be afraid to make mistakes because they're gonna make you who you are. You're going to fail and you're going to succeed but don’t let either one completely define you."