Stanford Technical Institute Graduation Speech
Welcome class of 2009! It’s such an exciting year to be a student at Stanford Technical Institute.
This year has proved challenging for many. From having a black president in the white house, to having economic downfalls …you are not only living in a historical era, but you are living it a step ahead many others.
Education is the way to go! At Stanford Technical Institute, I’m sure that you have learned everything from typing, to Internet etiquette, from building components of a computer to learning a new skill. And I bet some of you have had the opportunity to practice on cutting edge computer software such as Rosetta Stone or PLATO. All of the training you have received at SAED will be beneficial for your future growth.
I am not lying when I tell you that every position I’ve applied for was extremely interested in the fact that I use to be a student at SAED and they really liked the fact that I knew so much about computers. It’s sort of cool to know more than my boss about Microsoft PowerPoint or Excel! And it’s even cooler that I was able to receive Rosetta Stone and PLATO training whereas so many others didn’t have that opportunity.
To the parents in the audience, I thank you! I thank you because you show you care. I use to teach in PG County Public Schools, and although I enjoyed working with the students, I don’t have to tell you how many of my students either wished their parents were more involved, or needed their parents to be more involved. So again, I say thank you. You are creating young minds that will contribute to society rather than take from it. I have a feeling that one day your child will look back and say “thank you” for taking the time to care. And in effect, you may reap the enjoyment of them being rich to you and giving back, and being out of your house by the age of 40! Placing them in SAED is one of the biggest steps that you can take to reward yourself and your child in the end.
To the students of SAED, it’s my personal advice that you continue coming to computer class until you graduate from high school. It’s okay to ask to volunteer. Volunteering is also learning. And it’s okay for you to ask questions and build connections. I would not be here in front of you today if I hadn’t asked questions, volunteered, or built connections. Ten years later, Mrs. Stanford and her family have continued to be in my corner for every major event, and have been there for me as I’ve applied for difficult positions.
Today’s graduation is like many others. A speaker comes on the stage and talks, while many people in the audience get frustrated and think to themselves “when is little Johnny going to get his award?” It’s the same in the sense that we will clap for each child but scream uncontrollably when our child’s name is called. It’s the same because we will all leave her looking forward to summer break. But there is one distinct difference between this graduation and all of the rest…that difference is that this class has survived a wave of uncertainty that have caused many others to drop out. Just being here today means that you are determined to be something in life. And to the parents it means that you are determined to make sure that your child doesn’t have to go through the struggles that you may had to go through.
I am excited to be here! I wish I were in this class, because it’s filled with so much promise and hope! I wish all of the students much success. I wish all of the parents good fortune from standing behind your child. I wish SAED continued growth because it’s inspired many minds and has brought out many creative characteristics in children that may not have otherwise been polished.
Students congratulations on your success and I hope that you have many more fruitful years at SAED. Don’t quit! Quitters never prosper and losers never win! You have to continue to strive for your dreams because they won’t suddenly appear in your lap. I know plenty of people who thought to themselves and said “I’ll be great one day.” And they sat around waiting for “greatness” to hit them on the head. Well, all of that waiting left them with unruly kids, a job they don’t want, and a very unhappy life. You have to go and follow your dreams, whatever they may be.
And today, I congratulate you on taking step one! You’ve finished something, and even more so, you’ve completed something that’s marketable. It may not have been easy. There may have been some days you wanted to stay home, play xbox or wii online and just kick it with friends. But I want you to understand that it was your will and determination that got you here today. And for that, congratulations! You have demonstrated that you will be somebody – not just anybody!
