Unlocking Success: How Overcoming Struggles Fuels Growth for Undergraduates

Atlantic City, N.J. — For Olivia Bereza, Stockton University is much more than a school. “It’s a space that offered opportunities, allowing me to explore and find my niche,” she shared as she prepared to graduate in the Class of 2025.

Bereza addressed fellow graduates during the morning Commencement at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on May 16. She celebrated alongside over 1,800 peers who completed their bachelor’s degrees.

Stockton President Joe Bertolino reminded everyone that it’s not just the knowledge gained at university, but the way they learned it—by questioning, collaborating, and addressing real issues—that prepares them for the world. He emphasized the importance of compassion and urged students to carry those values into their future endeavors.

“Today, you walk away with a degree and a responsibility to uplift others,” he said, encouraging graduates to lead with kindness and create a better world.

Finding her path wasn’t easy for Bereza. Initially, she aimed for Health Sciences, even minoring in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. Eventually, she turned to Psychology, believing therapy was her calling. An internship at a mental health practice changed everything. “I realized I didn’t want to be a therapist, which felt daunting after working so hard for that goal,” she admitted.

Stockton’s supportive environment helped Bereza navigate this uncertainty. Her professors encouraged her to explore research instead, leading her to her current position as a research assistant at the Kessler Foundation. “I wasn’t lost; I was encouraged to grow,” she stated.

In her address, student speaker Courtney Combs highlighted the collective journey of the graduates. “Our story includes challenges and successes. Stockton shaped us and opened doors to opportunities,” she reflected. Combs, a Communication Studies graduate, emphasized the greater lessons learned, like perseverance and authenticity.

Keynote speaker Dwight McBee, Chief Patient Experience Officer at RWJBarnabas Health, also spoke about overcoming adversity. He used the word “struggle” to impart wisdom, starting with “S,” which represents resilience. McBee shared a personal story about facing challenges when his daughter was diagnosed with a rare disorder, transforming his family’s struggles into sources of strength.

“In every challenge lies an opportunity for growth,” he articulated, urging graduates to embrace their journeys as they move forward. He also drew a parallel between the resilience of an osprey, Stockton’s mascot, and the graduates’ own potential.

This year marked a significant milestone for Stockton, as it graduated its first cohort with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Human Development, integrating key areas like Childhood Studies and Disability Studies into its curriculum.

During the morning ceremony, Andrew “Tim” Kiniry was awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree. A World War II veteran, Kiniry has been a poignant voice in sharing war stories through Stockton’s programs. At 103, he continues to inspire, having received France’s highest honor, the National Order of the Legion of Honour.

Commencement ceremonies like these signify more than just the completion of degrees; they symbolize growth, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference. Each graduate departs with the knowledge that their futures are bright and full of potential.

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