In June, School the World’s founder and CEO took the stage at Academy of Our Lady of Mercy – Lauralton Hall, the all-girls high school where her own journey began. Invited to deliver the 2025 commencement address, it was a deeply personal moment—returning to the place she once described with a laugh as “where I caused a lot of trouble,” now standing before graduates as the founder of an international nonprofit working to end extreme poverty through education.

In her remarks to the graduates, she shared the unexpected and emotional path that led to founding School the World at age 45. What began in a season of heartbreak and loss ultimately gave rise to a new calling: a way to honor what she had lost by investing in something larger than herself. “Grief and gratitude,” she explained, “became the soil for the biggest adventure of my life.”

Her message to the Class of 2025 was both personal and universal: Find your particular something. That could be a cause, a community, or a calling—but whatever it is, let it be shaped by who you are and what the world needs. Quoting her late mother, she added, “It doesn’t matter what it is. As long as it’s not about you. Just do something.”

For some graduates, that journey of service has already begun. Many have participated as Global Ambassadors through School the World’s service learning program, building classrooms and connections across borders. For others, the path forward is just beginning. She encouraged all of them to step into this next chapter with curiosity, courage, and a commitment to doing good.

“To the graduates and their families,” she said, “congratulations. What lies ahead—new friends, new classes, the freedom to explore—are some of the most joyful discoveries you’ll ever have. I hope you seek out what lights you up, and use it to make the world a little better.”

Special thanks to Beth Coyne and the Lauralton Hall community for the invitation and warm welcome.