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OREM — Renowned fantasy author Brandon Sanderson told the more than 8,500 graduates at Utah Valley University's 2023 commencement to enjoy the journey by improving their lives in small ways.
"My job in part is to look to the future, but I think I'm looking at it right now," Sanderson said with visible emotion as he addressed the graduates.
Sanderson — the author of more than 70 fantasy novels — was the keynote speaker and a recipient of an honorary Doctor of Letters degree at Thursday's commencement. Three other people received honorary doctorates; Elaine S. Dalton got a degree in public service and Scott C. Keller and Duff Thompson received business degrees.
Sanderson spoke of his journey in college, switching to creative writing after not doing well in chemistry, and then the struggle of knowing what comes next after graduating. He said he struggled with always thinking too many steps ahead, and he said a lot of people fall into the trap of thinking once they've graduated, life will be perfect.
But after graduation comes challenges with finding the perfect job and creating your life the way you want it to be, he told the graduates.
"It's easy to feel between goals, like you are never arriving," Sanderson said. "No matter what journey you are on, how transitory or liminal your current state feels, do something small to make it better."
One professor gave him practical advice that allowed him to actually apply his degree into his life. He worked hard to get published once he graduated, but for several years, Sanderson wasn't sure if this was going to actually become his career and if he could be successful.
He wrote 13 novels before one finally got published.
"Sometimes we don't have any idea when the destination will arrive," he said. "Every part of life is a transition, so my challenge to you on this wonderful day is to look and improve your life in some small way and give yourself permission. When it works, write it down and try your best to make and keep connections."
Sanderson said he was forever grateful for the practical advice from that professor and so he decided to share three practical points graduates could use to continue improving their lives.
The author's first point — likely to no one's surprise — was to write.
"Write down for yourself, the bits of your life that bring you joy. The beautiful moments, yes, and the dramatic ones, but more the quirky, unexpected turns that make this current chapter of the life you are living right now worth rereading," he said.
He told the students to be active in noticing the wonderful moments, not just the broken ones. "Because joy — like people — is magnified when it is noticed."
Sanderson's second piece of advice was to balance work and life by connecting with others.
Work can be demanding, but if you do not give yourself balance, you will burn out on the things you love, Sanderson said.
With graduation comes potentially lonely times at new jobs in new states and leaving friends behind. He said it is crucial to maintain a good support structure and suggested proactively planning regular activities with those in your support system who can help you deal with stress.
"To enjoy the journey fully, you need to be on that journey with other people," he said.
Sanderson's last practical point was to give yourself permission to be comfortable in who you are while still striving to become better. Enjoying the journey doesn't mean you have to accept the current state of things.
"It is time at long last to take your next step, turn the next page and begin the next chapter of your story," he said.
University President Astrid S. Tuminez said the graduating class is mighty in both spirit and numbers.
The UVU Class of 2023 included 8,517 graduates receiving 9,629 degrees and certificates. There were graduates from every Utah county, 47 U.S. states and territories and more than 20 countries.
More than a third of graduates were first-generation students. The youngest graduate was only 16 years old and the oldest graduate was 69.
"We care about you, our students. We take your futures seriously. We want you to find success however you define or measure it," Tuminez said. "You will forever be a wolverine."
In a video message from Gov. Spencer Cox, he said he was proud to recognize the hard work of the students.
"You have proven your dedication to achieving your dreams," Cox said. "The diplomas you have earned mark an ending, but more importantly, they represent a new and exciting beginning."
UVU's Student Body President Lexi Soto told the audience it's important to be grateful for those in their lives and for what they have accomplished.
"We have to express gratitude for ourselves for persevering through challenges. We have to acknowledge our hard work and dedication to education and growth," Soto said.
Change can be scary, but Soto encouraged the graduates to not let the unknown of the future scare them from moving forward.
Tuminez closed the commencement by reminding students that everyone's life follows different paths, but it is important to embrace where that path takes you.
"Celebrate your education. Be gentle with yourself," she said. "The hero's journey is not linear, so forgive your mistakes and just keep going. You have only just begun."
