Alumna Medina Jett ’08 EMBA delivered a commencement speech to the Class of 2024 that emphasized something she knows well: the importance of being brave and thoughtful in the face of change, whether celebrated or not.

“I stand before you not only as a fellow Husky, but as someone who understands the challenges and triumphs that come with the journey of life,’’ Jett told some 700 enthusiastic undergraduates, their families, and friends on Saturday afternoon in Gampel Pavilion.

Jett, who owns a real-estate development company in Atlanta, has had multiple, successful careers. She has worked as an attorney, as a corporate executive for three different Fortune 500 companies, as a serial business owner, and, most recently, as an author.

She urged the soon-to-be graduates to be bold and contemplative.

“Throughout my life, I have chased the challenging assignments that lead to exciting new roles. I have followed my passions and enjoyed some phenomenal professional experiences,’’ she said.
She has also taken time to reflect on her life, where she wanted to be, and how to get there.

“I am determined to pursue my passions and my purposes, so that when my time is up, this life will owe me nothing…nor will I owe it,!’’ she continued.

Personal Challenges Can Turn Life Upside Down

But Jett also warned the undergraduates that life will not always be easy, and those challenges can generate some of the greatest achievements.

“As with most people, my life has not been a crystal stair. I’ve had my fair share of tacks and splinters,’’ she said. “I lost my sister to ovarian cancer almost three years ago. Losing her so early forced me to pause and reflect, and that reflection reinforced for me the need to live as much of this life as I possibly can.’’

Jett experienced another jolt five years ago, when her son, then a junior at Bowdoin College, was diagnosed with bipolar schizoaffective disorder, a complex mental health condition.
“And in an instant, my life was turned upside down,’’ she said. “Watching my son disconnect from the person I knew him to be was heart-breaking.’’

“As I learned more about the mental healthcare system, and its flaws, and spoke to other mothers whose children were suffering similarly, I faced the two paths before me,’’ she said. “I could get lost in the overwhelm of the situation, or I could see the bright side: the opportunity for me to empower countless other families through my bold and relentless advocacy.’’

Change, she said, happens when one person makes a bold move, and others are inspired to join them.

“I knew that to create change, I needed to boldly tell my story and empower other families to share theirs,’’ she said.

Jett wrote a book titled ‘Peace Be Still: Navigating My Son’s Bipolar Disorder,’ which told the raw truth about the sudden onset of her son’s illness. Her goal is to ignite a national conversation on mental illness, and raise awareness about the mental-health crisis impacting young adults.

Navigating the complexities of mental health can be a daunting task, especially during times of transition, she told the audience.

“As you’re trying to land that big job, you feel like you’re not keeping up with your peers, or you just can’t seem to figure out what path you should be on, know we’ve all been there. You are not alone,’’ she said. “Lean into your parents or your friend circles for support or talk to a professional. Therapy can be a game-changer. And there is strength in recognizing when you are not OK, and taking action to get better.’’

Navigate Carefully, Pick Your Path

She urged the students to be bold as they discover their purpose, whether food insecurity, homelessness, climate change, or ending the war in Gaza.

“Each of you possesses a unique set of talents, passions and aspirations that will shape the trajectory of your lives,’’ she said. “Navigate carefully and chose the paths that appear to be the best choice for you.’’

“Whatever path you choose, and whatever its outcomes, embrace the journey with courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to your well-being. It is in the challenging moments that we discover our greatest strengths.’’

True joy comes not from social media popularity but from taking the time to understand who you are as an individual, what brings you joy, and leaving your unique and indelible mark on the world, Jett said.