Student Commencement Speaker Series, Part 3: Ben Kuharik's Journey from Adult Learner to Stage

Every commencement speaker carries a story worth telling, but few capture the spirit of determination and purpose we saw in Ben Kuharik’s story. A Class of 2022 graduate of our Parma campus, Ben earned his AAS in Physical Therapist Assistant while juggling the demands of work, school, and home life as an adult learner.

A Foundation Built on Support

Ben gave a lot of credit to the education and community he found at Bryant & Stratton College for shaping who he is today, both personally and professionally. The coursework pushed him to grow, building the kind of confidence he needed to step into his first job as a PTA with real assurance in his abilities. That foundation didn’t stop the moment he crossed the graduation stage. It has continued to support him throughout his career.

One relationship in particular stands out. Ben’s instructor and PTA Program Director, Jodi Frank, made herself available throughout his time at the college and has remained a source of guidance and opportunity long after graduation. Alongside her mentorship, Ben found strength in the peers who walked the same path beside him, a great reminder that no one earns a degree alone.

Finding Purpose in Problem-Solving

For Ben, the decision to pursue the PTA program wasn’t just about starting a career; it was about finding the kind of work that would keep him engaged. Like many in the field, he was drawn to the opportunity to help people, but what truly engaged him was the problem-solving nature of the work. Ben said, “There are many conditions that have guidelines to rehab, but not all patients react the same toward treatment. Finding ways to adjust the plan of care and adapt to the individual is what keeps me interested in this field.”

Overcoming Challenges, One Step at a Time

Like many adult learners, Ben faced the very real challenge of balancing work, school, and home life all at once. Rather than letting that overwhelm him, he found a mindset that carried him through. As Ben put it, “Two things that helped me achieve my degree was finding enjoyment in what I was learning and focusing on the current task at hand before moving onto the next.”

Stepping Into the Spotlight

When Ben was first approached about becoming a Student Commencement Speaker, he felt excitement. However, public speaking had long been a personal challenge and something he had struggled with. Rather than immediately saying yes, he took a few days to sit with the decision. When he reached back out, he recognized this opportunity for exactly what it was: a chance to step outside his comfort zone and grow in an area he had already been working to improve.

That same instinct carried into writing his speech. The words he wrote down in the moments after being asked ended up being what he delivered on stage. He said, “I figured I would add or change things over the next few weeks, but as I practiced, I realized everything I put down immediately is exactly the message I wanted to get across.”

Advice Worth Remembering

Ben closed his commencement speech with three pieces of advice, drawn not from a single moment of inspiration, but from years of reflection that had shaped his own path forward:

• Nothing ever goes entirely as planned.
• Life can go from feeling ahead, to behind, back to ahead in rapid succession.
• If you want something, take the initiative. Don’t wait.

For Ben, these are principles he believes to be essential in both career and life for anyone striving for greatness. They speak to resilience in the face of uncertainty, and to the importance of taking ownership of your own path rather than waiting for the perfect moment.

A Story That Honors the Journey

Ben Kuharik’s path to speaking at our commencement ceremony was defined by consistency, mentorship, and a willingness to grow even when growth felt uncomfortable. His story reflects what this speaker series is all about: honoring the perseverance it takes to earn a degree, celebrating the motivation that carries students through the hardest moments, and recognizing the lasting impact one person’s journey can have on those who hear it. Congratulations again, Ben. We’re proud to celebrate you as the third voice in this year’s Student Commencement Speaker Series.

Don’t miss the next spotlight in our commencement speaker series and browse even more Bryant & Stratton College alumni journeys here!