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University student's emotional graduation speech goes viral

A Pasifika university student who delivered an inspiring speech about overcoming adversity to graduate has gone viral.

University of Auckland of Technology student Joshua Iosefo wowed the 2015 Design and Creative Technologies graduation ceremony saying that to walk across the stage and receive his degree is "more than a piece of paper".

The audience can be heard cheering and supporting Iosefo throughout his speech. Source: YouTube.
The audience can be heard cheering and supporting Iosefo throughout his speech. Source: YouTube.

"We all come from different walks of life," said Iosefo, who was given the opportunity to study on the Pasifika grants program.

"Whoever you are, wherever you've walked from, and wherever you're walking too, even if it's not walking, if it's hobbling or wheeling, I'm talking to you too."

"When we walk across the stage we carry our ancestors on our shoulders... When we walk across the stage we receive more than a piece of paper, we receive a piece of paper that validates our peace to give back towards world peace.

"When we walk across this stage we are saying we did it. When we walk across this stage we made it ... When we walk across this stage some of us shut down statistics that say we would never have taken the first step."

During the speech Iosefo was passionate about delivering his message. Source: YouTube.
During the speech Iosefo was passionate about delivering his message. Source: YouTube.

The audience cheers in support of Iosefo throughout his speech.

The speech has been viewed over 92,000 times on Facebook with over 100 people commenting to show their support for Iosefo.

Kim Holtz said she's incredibly proud to have worked alongside Iosefo.

"So incredibly proud to have been able to sit across the table from you and exchange ideas and dreams with you last year at the Akl Festival of Education. It feels like so long ago but the insights and teachings you taught as a mentor have made an imprint on my life. Congratulations Joshua Iosefo. You will do great things and I look forward to watching you touch the lives of so many. #Brownbrotherthegraduate Onwards and upwards Josh."

Iosefo left AUT with a Bachelor of Communications majoring in television and screen production. Source: YouTube.
Iosefo left AUT with a Bachelor of Communications majoring in television and screen production. Source: YouTube.
The speech has been viewed over 92,000 times on Facebook with over 100 people commenting to show their support for Iosefo. Source: YouTube.
The speech has been viewed over 92,000 times on Facebook with over 100 people commenting to show their support for Iosefo. Source: YouTube.

"So happy and honoured to have you representing the Comms student body Joshua! Your speech was incredibly moving, and I loved every second. South side proud," wrote Janelle Collins.

Iosefo left AUT with a Bachelor of Communications majoring in television and screen production.

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News break – December 22