James Cline’s journey from an unfulfilling job to a career in the operating room – and the graduation message he shared with the Class of 2026.
Photography by Colbis Photo
Two years ago, I was working 60 hours a week in a job that left me exhausted and unfulfilled. I wanted something more, but after 20 years away from school, starting over felt terrifying. A quick search for “surgical technologist” led me to Stautzenberger College. Within days, I met with the program director. By the following Wednesday, I was in class.
That decision changed my life. With hands-on training and the support of my instructors, I built the confidence to step into the operating room. Today, I work as a Certified Surgical Technologist at the University of Toledo Medical Center, helping perform life-changing and lifesaving procedures.
Last weekend, I was asked to be the guest speaker at our summer graduation. Looking out at the Class of 2026, I saw people who had faced their fears, made sacrifices and earned their place in whatever room comes next. Here is my speech, below:
James Cline's Graduation Address
Good evening, everyone.
Thank you so much for being here. Your presence and celebration of this year’s graduates mean more than any of us could put into words. Thank you.
When I was asked to be the speaker for tonight’s ceremony, I immediately said, “Yes, of course,” followed by wanting to throw up. And then I thought to myself, “Seriously? Me? They’ve got to be joking.” I’ve lived many lives before the one that led me to stand here before you tonight. And I wouldn’t ever have thought that this was an opportunity that I’d be given.
I must thank everyone at Stautzenberger for this incredible honor. I would not be standing here tonight were it not for so many people I met in those halls, including every single classmate I had the pleasure of spending early mornings and long days with. You guys challenged me to be better, and so much of my success is credited to you and my wanting to keep up with you all. Make sure you count your sutures.
I need to recognize and celebrate a few people without whom none of this would have been possible.
Rylan and Mila, not just my kids… my best friends, my greatest inspirations and the reason for all that I am and all that I do. If seeing me up here teaches you anything, I hope that it’s to live life knowing you don’t have to settle… live life knowing that your dreams can become a reality. And above all else, believe in yourself. I love you guys.
My fiancee, Niña. She set in motion this entire journey for me. She gave me the idea, the encouragement and courage to imagine a reality for what I’d only ever dreamed of. Selflessly doing so, she showed strength beyond strength in her boundless love and unwavering support. I owe you everything, and I love you so much.
Two years ago, I was toiling 60 hours a week not far from here at the Jeep plant in north Toledo. After more than a decade, I was exhausted. I knew I wanted more for myself, but I was terrified of making any kind of real change.
After only a quick 10-minute Google search on what a Surgical Technologist was, I contacted Stautzenberger and made an appointment to speak with the program director just a few days later. I will always remember it was on a Friday, because I started classes the following Wednesday. It was a whirlwind. I’m a high school dropout who hadn’t been in school in 20 years. Over and over, I questioned whether I was making a mistake.
Walking through those doors at Stautzenberger on my first day, not even a week after first considering it a possibility, was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I was actively making a monumental, life-altering change. I was terrified.
What followed were some of the most challenging and equally rewarding experiences of my life.
There’s no blueprint for the path any of us take, and like all my fellow graduates, I made it through every peak and valley and came out on the other side.
I recently began my new career as a Certified Surgical Technologist at the University of Toledo Medical Center. Every day I am in rooms working side by side with brilliant surgeons and equally brilliant members of the OR staff. Together we perform life-changing and lifesaving procedures. Those rooms can be incredibly daunting and intimidating at times. But then I reflect upon the skills I developed while at Stautzenberger and the foundation of knowledge in my field that I gained at Stautzenberger. I tell myself: I have earned the right to be in those rooms with those brilliant people.
There’s a quote from Theodore Roosevelt that I felt was rather moving and fitting for this occasion.
"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly... who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who have never known neither victory nor defeat."
To my fellow graduates: Whatever lies next on your path, whatever rooms you find yourselves in, always remember that you have earned the right to be in those rooms.
All right, nerds. With that, thank you.
About James
James Cline completed the Surgical Technology program in 2026 and works as a Certified Surgical Technologist at the University of Toledo Medical Center. His advice to anyone considering a return to school: “Don’t let the fear of new beginnings be what holds you back from enrolling. You’ll forever be thankful to yourself for starting.”
Must be logged in to Facebook to view video. James’ address begins at 19 minutes in