Graduation

As most people know, I’m not at my very best in giving speeches, but my graduation means a great deal to me. The Ross Griffin Resource Center has been such an important part of my life, and this graduation is something that’s both exciting and sad. Exciting because of the future that lies beyond, and sad because this program and everyone in it has meant so much to me. It’s like I’m leaving a family that I have grown to care for and cherish.

When I look back at my life I wonder what it would be like if I had never found The Ross Griffin Resource Center. If I had not started going to school at the center, I would have never met half the people I know. I would have never come to this church or even to All Saints.

I have learned so many things from the center. I have learned not only how to be a better student, but also a better person. I learned how to control my anger better. Ms Barb made me learn that even though I did not want to. I was so stubborn, I still am, just not as much. Ms Barb was patient but determined, and taught me so much but I will always remember the battles we had over math. I realize now that even when I thought that I was not learning anything or it was too hard, I was learning more then I could ever know. I would not be as much of a writer as I am now if not for Mr. Dirk and everyone else.

I know I still have much to learn, and maybe that’s the most important thing we can ever really learn: that there is always more to know. The fact I’m giving this speech now is proof of how far I’ve come. Not just because I’m graduating, but because six years ago when I started, I would never have imagined myself being able to talk like this in front of everyone.

The school and my friends have not just helped guide my education, but my self confidence and desire to learn more. I can’t think of any better thing that someone can teach you other than that. I am not as afraid of getting up in front of people and reading my work anymore. Ms Sandie has helped me out so much with every so many things, not just as an instructor, but also as a friend and mentor. She helped me with my school assignments, to communicate and understand my mother’s perspective and views outside of my own.

Everyone here takes such pride in so many odd things, like all of the cooking and recipes and the team building it nurtured. But the one thing they haven’t realized is that we were never really just cooking or making something for lunch. We were the real ingredients in the school’s recipe, and what we were preparing wasn’t something to eat, but our own futures. I hope I live up to everyone’s faith and confidence in me, and I’ll always cherish my friends and instructors.