Quebec Student Gives MCPHS's Commencement Speech

MCPHS grads gathered at Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston to mark the start of their next chapter with a speech by Quebec's Emilie Imbeault.

Emilie Imbeault, an international student from Canada and a School of Pharmacy graduate, addressed the class of 2026 at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science (MCPHS) graduation ceremony in Boston, USA.

Originally from Quebec, Canada, Emilie Imbeault PharmD '26 arrived at MCPHS with a simple goal: to strengthen her English while exploring an interest in pharmacy. What began as a one-year plan soon evolved into a truly transformative journey shaped by academic achievement, leadership, and personal growth.

Discovering community at MCPHS

Over the course of her time at MCPHS, Emilie discovered a strong sense of community and became deeply involved in campus life. She distinguished herself through academic excellence, meaningful student leadership, and a clear dedication to patient care and advocacy. As the student commencement speaker, she reflected on the experiences that shaped both her professional aspirations and personal identity.

Emilie spoke about how healthcare-focused education shapes a graduate's professional ethics. "Our generation of professionals will be asked not only to practice, but to advocate. Not only to treat, but to lead. And I truly believe we are ready," she said.

Her message resonated with the shared experiences of her classmates and the realities of preparing for careers in healthcare.

Words of wisdom

Here's a short excerpt from Emilie's speech:

"When we started this journey, many of us thought success meant getting good grades, getting into the right rotations, landing the right job. And yes, those things matter. But along the way, something more important happened; we changed. We learned how to think critically, when the answer wasn't clear. We learned how to speak up in rooms that felt intimidating. We learned that healthcare isn't just about protocols, it's about people. It's about the patient who trusts you with their fears, the family who looks to you for reassurance, the team that depends on your voice," she said.

Emilie's journey reflects not only achievement, but also resilience and the courage to step beyond her comfort zone in pursuit of a greater purpose. Her story serves as an inspiring example of what can happen when students embrace new challenges, seek connection, and remain open to growth.

As she prepares to graduate and begin the next chapter of her career, the MCPHS community celebrates Emilie for the impact she has made both inside and outside the classroom. Her leadership, compassion, and commitment are commended.