Edreys Wajed Encourages Students to 'See the Journey Through' at Convocation

Edreys Wajed, ’97, an accomplished multidisciplinary educator and artist, delivered an inspiring speech to the incoming Class of 2027 during the university’s annual First-Year Convocation last month.

“Be curious and interested in what you don’t know,” Wajed told students. “Pay attention to what’s happening around you. Ask questions. Ask lots of questions. My number one tip for you while in college is, ‘If there is something that a professor is discussing or teaching that you do not understand, do not leave that class without asking questions.’ ... It’s not a waste of time. It’s a bigger waste of time to sit in class and not ask questions.”

Wajed addressed a full auditorium in the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall for First-Year Convocation, the Buffalo State tradition that officially introduces and welcomes its newest students to the campus academic community.

Wajed, who earned his B.S. in graphic design from Buffalo State, expresses himself through music, poetry, jewelry design, and visual arts. His artistic contributions are associated with some of the most iconic public art projects in the Buffalo community, such as The Freedom Wall at Michigan Avenue and East Ferry Street, and the Love Black mural at Main Street near Tupper, each sponsored by the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. Wajed is a co-founder of Eat Off Art, a local, family-owned creative agency specializing in creative services, arts advocacy, and activism.

Following is the full text of Wajed’s speech from last month:

“Who you are in the future is a direct result of the choices you make today,” he said.

“I want to begin by first saying congratulations to all of you, for the choice you are making right now. Congratulations for being here and for being present. Being present is a small victory worthy of acknowledgment.

“Although each of you has a unique life story, comes from different backgrounds, different cities, and varying circumstances and challenges, at this very moment, you all share one thing in common, undoubtedly—which is the agreement and commitment to start your higher educational journey here at Buffalo State University. Give yourselves a round of applause. That round of applause was for saying yes to this opportunity, for that’s what this is, an opportunity to grow. Although this is only the beginning, I want to again congratulate you for making it this far. This moment is a bold demonstration of courage, because honestly, the challenges ahead will test your will and expose your weaknesses, while at the same time build your character and who you are to become in order to succeed and see the journey through.

“When I was your age, what I recall most clearly, was that I was very resistant, hard-headed, and not in a mind state to see the college experience as an opportunity. I carried an attitude of resentment, fear, and cluelessness upon entering this university. In my neighborhood, I was the only one among my nearest friends who attended college, so it felt very odd returning home and not having anyone that was in my peer group that I could talk to or that would understand my college life. I was very much alone and isolated in that manner. I eventually found my way by leaning into the discomfort, by seeing myself as a leader, and in doing so, I learned a great deal about persistence, focus, and purpose.

“So, if at this moment you are sitting here uncertain like I was, hard-headed and resistant, or uncertain about what you want to do or who you want to become, you are not alone and you’re actually normal for feeling this way. You aren’t required to have any of this completely figured out yet. It’s OK.

“There are countless adults that still don’t have the answers or are uncertain about who they are and what they want to be when they grow up. Social media has given us standards that we measure ourselves by. Illusions of perfection. Do not be fooled by the illusion of social media experts. Real life, in real time, is all about figuring it out. Finding solutions. Taking risks. Patience. Process. It’s not pretty and shiny. It takes effort, and that effort comes with both joy and pain. Life brings both happiness and disappointment. Excitement and fear. Celebration and grief. You have inherited a world that is dysfunctional in more ways than we can count. Yet, there’s hope. You are our hope.

“As you begin this journey, I want to lend you four things to consider and refer to them as a compass or a guide:

“1.) Confidence: I ask that you dig and look deeper into who you are. What I mean by this is, identify what interests you. What makes you light up or come alive? Is there a skill, talent, or ability that comes natural to you that you need to pay more attention to? Standing on what you know, what you have practiced, is a great starting block for building confidence. You have what it takes.

“2.) Curiosity: Be curious: Be curious and interested in what you don’t know. Pay attention to what’s happening around you. Ask questions. Ask lots of questions. My number one tip for you while in college is, ‘If there is something that a professor is discussing or teaching, that you do not understand, do not leave that class without asking questions.’ Too many times, the professor asks, ‘So does anyone have any questions?’ and no one asks a single question, yet outside of the classroom they ask each other, ‘Did you understand what the professor was saying?’ Ask questions. It’s not a waste of time. It’s a bigger waste of time to sit in class and not ask questions.

“3.) Courage: Try new things. It’s always uncomfortable to try new things. There’s a phrase that goes, ‘Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.’ I like this statement because that’s how we grow and mature into the better versions of ourselves, by being courageous enough to confront discomfort. Be courageous; you’ll thank yourself later.

“4.) Compassion: Demonstrate patience and humanity while engaging with people you meet on this journey. Challenge your biases and prejudices. Do not lean solely on your assumptions, because you never know what people are carrying or going through in their lives.

“It is my hope for you that confidence, curiosity, courage, and compassion will lead to clarity. Repeat: Confidence, curiosity, courage, and compassion lead to clarity.

“In closing, be reminded that who you are in the future is a direct result of the choices you make today. Give it your very best, because your future self is depending on it. We all are.

“Congratulations. Your future begins—now! Peace.”