When Chelsea Weimer arrived at PennWest Edinboro five years ago, she faced the same challenge many students encounter when they leave for college: finding her place in an unfamiliar environment.

The Salem, Connecticut, native had moved eight hours away from family, friends and the community she had always known. Over time, the friendships she formed, the organizations she joined and the mentors she found helped her establish a strong sense of belonging in Edinboro.

Now, as a two-time PennWest Edinboro graduate, Weimer said leaving is bittersweet.

On May 9, she earned a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and returned to the commencement stage not only as a graduate, but also as the student speaker. In her address, she reflected on the experiences, relationships and opportunities that transformed an unfamiliar campus into a place that felt like home.

“I didn’t realize it then, but with each new experience I was making my home,” Weimer said.

Prior to earning her graduate degree, Weimer graduated summa cum laude in spring 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Throughout her time at PennWest, she immersed herself in campus life and leadership opportunities. She was a member of the PennWest Honors Program and served as co-president of the Highland Ambassadors for two years. She also served as president of the graduate chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association after previously serving as vice president during her undergraduate years.

Her involvement extended across campus through the President's Leadership Academy, the American Sign Language Club, student employment positions and graduate assistantships in the Office of the President, the College of Health Sciences and Human Services and Campus Recreation.

"The peers I met by joining student organizations like the Highland Ambassadors, NSSLHA and the Honors College became my best friends, my roommates and the people I go to for advice," she said during her speech. "The faculty and staff I have met through projects and leadership roles are people whose opinions I value and experiences I have learned from."

Those experiences also prepared her for a profession focused on communication, connection and service to others.

In her remarks, Weimer challenged them to reflect on the people and places that made their college experience meaningful – from favorite local restaurants and campus traditions to faculty mentors and lifelong friendships.

"This town and this campus are filled with people, places and things that make Edinboro the special place it is," she said.

Drawing on her clinical experiences in speech-language pathology, she encouraged graduates to recognize the impact they have on others, especially during moments of challenge and change.

"I have realized I am not just affecting the lives of the people I care for but also the people who care about them," she said. "They may not know my name or remember my face, but I hope they remember how I made them feel."

That sentiment became the heart of her address. Whether through professional work, personal relationships or everyday interactions, Weimer urged her classmates to lead with kindness and compassion.

"Be the person who shows kindness, even in small moments," she said. "Cheer for others. Give people a bit of grace, and support others while they build their own home."

While commencement marked the completion of her academic studies, Weimer will continue completing her final clinical placement as she prepares to begin her career in speech-language pathology.

As she leaves Edinboro, Weimer carries with her the lessons, friendships and experiences that helped transform a campus into a home. And she hopes her fellow graduates find the same sense of belonging wherever life takes them next.

"My hope for you," she told the Class of 2026, "is that you will find a place that is just as hard to leave as this one."

Watch Chelsea's commencement speech