Aspen University’s 2024 Commencement Ceremony is just around the corner! Among the graduates this year is Heather Bjornberg, who will be completing her Doctor of Education in Leadership and Learning program this December. Heather offers the following exuberant message to her fellow graduates, and to anyone who might need a gentle push to go after their dreams.
This is a moment of immense celebration and pride as we commemorate our collective achievements! Each of us crossing the finish line this year exemplifies and radiates what it means to truly dream big, and make those dreams come true!
Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” This sentiment has resonated with me since I was a little girl and has been a guiding light for me throughout my doctoral journey. Dreams inspire us and drive us to explore the unknown and innovate in ways we may have once thought impossible, and in the words of Walt Disney, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”
My dream of becoming a Doctor of Education started coming true when I embarked on my journey with Aspen University. As a first-generation college graduate, and now doctoral graduate, Aspen University has given me access to the education and tools I needed to thrive as an innovative educational leader and leverage the brilliance of a team to collectively make lasting transformations in education. My chair, committee members, and mentors have taught me the power of collaboration and innovation. I not only deepened my understanding of organizational leadership, but gained the knowledge, tools, and skillset to foster collaboration, creativity, and innovation with others. Most importantly, the team at Aspen has taught me the importance of connections and leading with others to build truly thriving teams.
In my research, I explored principal perceptions of self-efficacy and implications for obtaining desired organizational outcomes. I found that on-going collaboration with others, as well as opportunities to observe mentors leading, were imperative for building self-efficacy. While there is much more to be explored on this topic, my research can serve as a springboard for future leaders to continue to give voice to those who are passionate about transforming education. I plan to continue this work and explore ways to best support school leaders and implore each of you to continue to explore your passions and find ways to elevate others in your communities.
Collaboration, innovation and creativity have remained at the heart of my studies throughout my program. I’ve learned that effective leadership is truly about your people. Leaders must build strong connections with each of those they serve alongside to effectively lead, but leaders cannot do this work alone. The journey with Aspen University has taught all of us that we learn best from one another, and it is through our connections and collective efficacy that we grow together. Our collective efficacy promotes sustainable changes and success.
We could not have accomplished our dreams without those who’ve stood beside us. Our teams are composed of family members, mentors, and friends who have loved us, cheered us on when things got tough, lent us a listening ear when we needed to feel heard, and continued to encourage us to take one more step towards the finish line. Our achievements are a result of the collective efforts of our teams. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us also take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to those who helped us realize our own greatness and dreams.
Leadership commands courage and requires risk-taking to bring about positive changes and growth. Each one of us graduates is a leader, and as leaders, we must be fearless in the pursuit of our dreams to make them a reality. Auguste Gusteau, the fictional chef from the Pixar movie Ratatouille, said this of leaders: “You must be imaginative, strong-hearted. You must try new things that may not work, and you must not let anyone define your limits because of where you come from. Your only limit is your soul. What I say is true, anyone can cook, but only the fearless can be great.” Thus, I implore each of us to continue to be fearless! Our dreams have propelled us forward, and with the support of our loved ones, mentors, and faculty, nothing is impossible. We are not defined by our limits, but rather by the dreams that we carry with us, and by the ways we inspire others to realize their own greatness.
In the spirit of Disney, as we step into the next chapter of our lives, let us remember to continue to dream big, lead with our hearts, and inspire those around us to realize their dreams and aspirations. Together, we are creating a brighter, more creative, and more inclusive future for all. Congratulations, Class of 2024! Let’s continue to be fearless and make our dreams come true!
Congratulations, Heather! We are very proud to be on the team that has helped to achieve your dreams. Thank you for your inspiring words, and we look forward to celebrating the collective achievements of your graduating class at Commencement!
Is a doctoral degree a dream of yours? Let us help you reach it! Check out Aspen’s doctoral programs here.