This post was written by assistant culture editor Allison Kowalski.

After speeches from directors and provosts illustrated the big opportunities the world offered the Class of 2013, George Rice III offered some different wisdom: “You are not lucky.”

Rice, the associate director of the Multicultural Student Services Center, spoke at at the center’s fifth annual senior celebration Thursday on the common fears and myths about the number 13, and suggested the class challenge these ideas to rebrand the number’s identity.

“Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number 13, and if you’ve been in any building, you know that there are no 13th floors. My challenge to you is create a floor that is so exclusive, so renowned that no one is properly strengthened before they enter,” Rice said.

Rice also spoke about making the most of the experiences you have, and not sitting back and waiting for what you believe is the right moment to take action.

“If you wait for things to get perfect, nothing will ever get done. Focus on the lives of your future but consistency and hard work compose your future, so let your destiny settle for it,” he said.

Blake Bergen, former president of Allied in Pride, spoke on behalf of the LGBT community, which was adopted by the MSSC two years ago.

Bergen said the attitude of acceptance on campus helped him grow as a member of the GW community, and that the MSSC cultivated a welcoming presence on campus.

“It’s never too late to discover or accept who you are,” he said.

The six  multicultural communities were also represented by one graduating senior speaker who gave insight into the transformation of their community over the past four years.

“The MSSC gave us a home away from home, and even though some of us live close, our origins are far away, and it’s nice to bring that community here,” graduating senior Marielena Faria said after the ceremony.