Graduating Student Reflection 2025: Dominic Bucci

Dominic Bucci is a graduate of the B.S. in Psychology degree-completion program in the School of Undergraduate Studies, and a student in the East-West Psychology Joint MFA program.
 

Esteemed faculty, honored guests, cherished friends and family, and most importantly, my fellow graduates,

Today is a day for celebration, reflection, and deep gratitude. We stand here at the culmination of a journey that, for many of us, was not a straight path but a winding road — one filled with unexpected turns, challenges, and revelations.

My own journey to this moment began many years ago, but for reasons dictated by life, I was unable to complete it then. When I finally found myself ready to return, I did so with a mindset that I suspect some of you may share: I viewed this degree as a box to check, a milestone to complete so that I could move on with my life. I believed that earning my bachelor’s degree would be a proud achievement, but I didn’t anticipate that it would change me. I certainly did not expect the profound transformation I discovered at CIIS.

What I found was far more than just a diploma; I embarked on a journey of the soul. I found a place that felt like home — a community, a family, a sacred space where learning transcended textbooks and lectures and became an act of self-discovery. At CIIS, education is not merely about absorbing knowledge; it is about awakening. It’s about opening our hearts, deepening our empathy, and expanding our consciousness. It is about igniting a fire within us that perhaps, for some, had long been dormant.

I learned that true education is not confined to a classroom. At CIIS, I wasn’t just taught; I was transformed. The pedagogy here is not solely academic — it is spiritual, initiatory, and deeply personal. It spoke to a higher part of my being, awakening aspects of my soul that had been dimmed by the master narrative of the world, and it placed it within an eternity mindset. It taught me not just how to learn, but why I am learning. And with this realization, my purpose became clear: education is a lifelong endeavor, one that nourishes the spirit as much as it informs the mind.

Perhaps one of the most profound lessons I gained here was the power of community. For the first time, I experienced what it truly means to belong to a collective where compassion and consideration are not mere ideals but lived realities. Never before had I been asked, “Are your access needs met?” Never before had I considered that my ability to engage, learn, and thrive depended not only on my own efforts but on the structures and support around me. And just as I came to understand my own needs, I began to recognize and honor the needs of others.

CIIS has shown us that education is not a solitary endeavor; it is communal, it is relational, and it is interwoven with the well-being of those who journey beside us. Here, we have learned that healing, growth, and wisdom arise not in isolation, but in connection — with each other, with our higher selves, and with the world around us.

As we step forward from this place, carrying with us the lessons and experiences that have shaped us, we must remember that our journey is far from over. The spirit of CIIS is not confined to these walls; it is a part of us now. It is a genius loci, a guiding force that calls us toward a better tomorrow. We are not just graduates; we are torchbearers of wisdom, healers, seekers, and changemakers. The world needs us now more than ever — to bring the values of deep listening, empathy, and holistic understanding into every space we enter. I’ve spoken with classmates who are going on to become therapists offering trauma-informed care to underserved communities. Others who are launching projects that bring integrative healing into schools, prisons, and refugee shelters. Some are creating platforms for spiritual mentorship, and I am working on writings that challenge the dominant narratives around addiction, mental health, and the sacred. Our peer group is not just entering the world—we are reshaping it with a consciousness that honors both spirit and structure.

So let us walk forward not just with the pride of achievement but with the humility of knowing that our learning has just begun. Let us carry the spirit of CIIS into our work, our relationships, and our lives. Let us be the changemakers who recognize that every space we enter is an opportunity to foster healing, uplift others, and continue the journey of growth and transformation that began here.

To my fellow graduates, congratulations we have reached this milestone, not alone but together. And together, we will go forth and create a future that is more compassionate, more inclusive, and more deeply connected.

Thank you.