V-rak-ke-ce-tv Cultural Graduation Ceremony celebrates fall 2022 graduates

By Adriana Nguyen

Finally returning to its home in the Union Ballrooms, Florida State University’s V-rak-ke-ce-tv Cultural Graduation ceremony took place on Thursday evening with sentiments of belonging and authenticity at the forefront. The keynote speaker for the ceremony, Dr. Sabrina Dickey, spoke to an audience of 49 graduating students and their friends and families about the importance of being one’s own authentic self as students embark on their post-graduation path. “You are charged with walking on a higher path that others may not be able to follow, but that’s okay,” Dickey told them. “Everyone’s journey in life is not the same.”

Hosted by the Office of Representation, Inclusion & Student Equity in partnership with the Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement, Student Government Association, University Housing, and Fraternity and Sorority Life, V-rak-ke-ce-tv has served as a space to come together in celebration for more than 10 years. Named after the Miccosukee Creek phrase meaning, “to honor,” cultural graduation aims to highlight students’ achievements and honor the communities of people that have supported them in their endeavors.

The participating graduates hail from all corners of campus and represent a variety of leadership roles, from orientation leaders to resident hall assistants to officers of numerous student organizations. Distinguishing itself from other graduation ceremonies, V-rak-ke-ce-tv is an intimate gathering focused on fostering a sense of belonging and celebrating graduating students’ circles of success throughout their time at FSU. Graduates are called upon one by one, their paths of study and achievements displayed for all to see, and each student is bestowed a stole bearing the four colors of the flag of the Seminole Tribe of Florida by a selected member of their support system. Graduates walked the ballroom stage and shared hugs and handshakes with their professors, advisors, friends and family.

Dickey led the evening’s storytelling, a thoughtful keynote speech about overcoming obstacles, the excitement of an unknown future and, most importantly, the value of vulnerability and authenticity. Dr. Dickey is an associate professor in the College of Nursing and a three-time graduate of Florida State University. Her work and passions revolve around educating, interacting with, and advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion. Dickey offered a mantra to guide the graduates through this next phase of life: “I will do me, I will flourish, and I will find a place where, authentically, I can be me.” Ryan Rankine, a graduating senior studying psychology and human development and family sciences, gave the evening’s student reflection and underscored the importance of appreciating the little things in life as the Class of 2022 embarks on their next chapter. The vice president of Chi Phi Fraternity, as well as a university ambassador and homecoming court candidate, Rankine will be beginning his own next chapter in Cincinnati, Ohio as a behavioral analyst.

“Remember when we walk that stage tomorrow that this is only the beginning.” Rankine told the audience. “Yes, you got the degree, yes, you kept pushing, but now you will give back to society, you will change the world, and you will use the degree and knowledge you have acquired to break barriers, change norms, and save the world.”

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