Graduates celebrate success found through change

Life doesn’t always go the way one plans it, something the speakers at Southwestern Community College’s 2026 commencement ceremony know well. While proud to be part of the graduating class, this spring commencement ceremony wasn’t originally part of either of their plans.

Natalie Behnken of Massena, who earned her AA in business and AAS in business administration, explained that college wasn’t originally something she pictured in her future. With the hopes of entering the real estate world, she knew a degree wasn’t required. However, after insistence from her parents to at least apply to SWCC, she toured the campus and knew her future lay there.

“Somewhere during that visit, my perspective shifted. SWCC didn’t feel overwhelming; it felt welcoming. It didn’t feel like a place I had to attend. It felt like a place I genuinely wanted to be. It became clear that this was an environment where I could grow, take risks and still feel a sense of belonging.”

Along with classes, Behnken was recruited to the dance team and later became a student ambassador, something she cited as one of the most impactful decisions she made.

“That role pushed me beyond my comfort zone and provided real world experience through interviews, responsibilities and public speaking,” Behnken said. “It taught me how to represent something greater than myself and how to carry myself with professionalism and purpose.”

Though not every moment of her student life was easy, Behnken said she knew she was exactly where she was supposed to be.

“We live in a world that often pressures us to have everything figured out, to know exactly where you’re going and how you’re going to get there. But life doesn’t work that way and honestly, it’s not supposed to,” Behnken said. “What matters is that you keep moving forward. Don’t be afraid of the unknown. That’s where growth happens. That’s where opportunity exists and often the path you never expected leads you exactly where you’re meant to be.”

While Behnken wasn’t originally sure if she was going to go to college, speaker Braydon Holder of Greenfield has now graduated from SWCC for the second time.

“Electrical technology wasn’t my first career path when I came to SWCC. I previously came to SWCC to become a teacher and graduated with a two-year degree in history education but found that wasn’t my path,” Holder said. “I wanted to do something hands on and the electrical program here at SWCC was the best fit for me.”

Though two very different programs, Holder’s years at SWCC taught him the importance of applying oneself to their work.

“One of the biggest lessons that I learned during my four years at SWCC was that this would have been a lot easier if I had applied myself in high school. I didn’t know what I wanted to do in high school, and I didn’t think my grades mattered,” Holder said. “I struggled a lot at first and came to learn that doing your schoolwork and applying yourself for the first time makes study habits and homework a lot easier. I think this applies to everyday life. If you’re given an opportunity or task, complete it using the best of your abilities because it best represents you and you never know when it might make something simpler in the future.”

From new experiences to learned life lessons, the 300-plus graduates joined the speakers in commemorating their success.

“Graduates, today we celebrate more than diplomas. We celebrate determination, resilience and the countless hours that you’ve invested into your future,” SWCC President Lindsay Stoaks said. “Whether you’re heading to a new career or transferring to a four-year college, know that you’re well prepared for your next chapter in life.”

Earlier in the day, SWCC held a separate commencement ceremony for the students graduating from the practical nursing education and registered nursing programs.