She shared a message with her fellow Wildcats that I believe every Utahn, from our legislature to our job sites, should hear.

During her speech, she recounted a moment of personal struggle she faced one year before graduating. As a newlywed, the unexpected end of her relationship left her feeling like the least qualified person to pursue a degree and career in marriage and family studies. A mentor soon asked her, “Or what if your experience makes you the most qualified?”

She told the graduates:

“Your hardest experiences don’t disqualify you, and they actually prepare you. … Who better to work in political science than someone who knows how deeply policies affect real people’s lives? Who better to serve in social work than someone who has had to ask for help?”

She spoke about attending an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting for a class assignment where she was inspired by the group. The theme of the night was “fresh willingness.” One woman shared about a time in her life when she believed her next step wasn’t recovery, but death. The woman shared that now, when recovery feels too hard, she looks back to that version of herself and how far she’s come, and it gives her renewed, fresh willingness to keep going.

This concept of fresh willingness, the choice to let our experience fuel our future growth, is seen at Weber State University, especially in how students like Reagan persist through graduation and use what they learn to be resilient in life and the workforce.

While celebrating Weber State’s graduates last week, I couldn’t help but think of my brothers-in-law as well. They are licensed plumbers and technical college graduates with just as much or more talent and earning potential as the majority of four-year degree holders. Despite being some of the smartest and hardest-working people, they, or others around them, sometimes perceive their credentials as less than the traditional bachelor’s degree.

Ivory towers, political parties, educators, and everyday people need to reject that narrative and embrace joint respect and appreciation for all learning. A good example of this is the Northern Wasatch Collegiate Coalition, a partnership between Weber State University, Davis Technical College, and Ogden-Weber Technical College. Whether a student earns a certificate, an associate degree, becomes a licensed tradesworker, or holds a master’s degree in social work, all are improving one credential at a time and gaining a level of mastery that they and our communities need.

When our state and higher education leaders focus on shared missions, interinstitutional collaboration, and preparing students to advance, we must ensure that all our students and graduates, university and technical college alike, feel “qualified” to be at the table. When my sister-in-law felt inadequate to continue her learning, it took a good mentor to remind her that her lived experience would contribute to, not hinder, her ability to succeed.

Another word for mentor is teacher. I’m proud to work for an institution that spends the majority of its time teaching and guiding all students through a chapter in their life meant to inspire them to be their best and equip them with the skills to do so. This is the type of return on investment that doesn’t always show up on a spreadsheet: the moment a student realizes their past challenges, in combination with their lifelong learning and existing strengths, are solid professional assets.

To the Class of 2026: Whether you are walking away with a diploma or a journeyman card, do not let your uncertainties or your non-traditional paths make you feel like the “least qualified person in the room.”

As my sister-in-law said, “Who better to step into this next chapter than people who know what it means to struggle, to get back up, and to keep moving forward?” Utah is better because of your willingness to stay at the table.

Kade Crittenden is Director of Government Relations and Special Projects at Weber State University, where he advocates for and studies public institutions of higher education and how they are impacted by state level politics. The views expressed by the author do not necessarily represent the institutional values or positions of the university.