Commencement
Student Speaker: David Carnahan
GOOD EVENING!
I'd like to begin with a quote by Pope John XXIII (13th):
"Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you have tried and fail in, but with what is still possible for you to do."
First and foremost, I want to commend each and every one of you that has made it this far on the road of life, this is only the beginning, but an honorable one. I wouldn't credit this great accomplishment as end all success, but as a step to what fate has in store. I believe that each and every one of us has a dream set aside for us to pursue, which will determine the decisions we make along the way.
My goals are to pursue several ventures involving Hip Hop culture, journalism, business - and most of all - making a difference. For others, the dream may be to establish a career, raise a family, travel, learn another language, or move on to obtain a higher level of education.
However, living life on life's terms presents obstacles for each of us. These obstacles could be BIG… like being subjected to stereotypes as a minority, losing a job, losing a family member, drug addiction, living with a disability, transitioning from one culture to another, or pursuing an education on minimal funds. Or SMALL: like not understanding a crucial assignment.
But they are never so big that they can't be overcome… and some times... even the smallest obstacle presents an opportunity.
This past January, Martin Luther King III, a human rights advocate and son of the famous civil rights leader, came to speak to students along with the community… I was anxious to see him - but there was one small obstacle -It was all sold out, and I…didn't have a ticket. When I told communications instructor Dr. Sandra Cross about my little problem, she not only presented me with a ticket to the speech, but with once-in-a lifetime opportunity. Two hours later, I was able to join a group of students who met with Martin Luther King III here on campus and I walked with him. I felt as if I had become a part of American history by the grace of just one of the great instructors at Edmonds Community College …what an honor…thanks Sandy.
Speaking of opportunities, Edmonds Community College also gave me the leeway to charter my vision, the club known as the Hip Hop Coalition. With the help of student events programmer, Ruth Girma… the office of student life, and performers from the college and greater community, we held a successful benefit concert, raising $653 for a Shelter for homeless women and children… In addition… we helped break down the barriers of misogyny in Hip Hop.
I was also blessed with the opportunity to get involved with the campus newspaper, the Triton Review, encouraged by journalism instructor Hayden Nichols. Last but not least, at Edmonds, I was given guidance for my academic and career paths from the Learning Support Center and instructor Mary-Pat Dennis Andre … who became one my hero… next to my Mom… and Oprah of course.
We all have had many opportunities at this exceptional school, and having overcome various obstacles, we obviously look forward to cold…hard…success - but let me remind you that it is the process that makes us victorious!!!. We had to be successful along the way or we wouldn't be here tonight to celebrate. An Associate's Degree, a Bachelor's, a Master's, a Ph.D - fame, fortune - these are symbols of triumph!!! But the choices we make along the way define our success!!!
Therefore… my fellow classmates… trustees… faculty… friends and family: I urge you all to seize the day!!! Recognize the dream!!! Reflect on the obstacles, and how they were surpassed!!! Acknowledge the outcomes along the way!!! And never lose sight of what you feel in your heart is the reason why you were put on this earth!!!
A little over a year ago… May 2nd… I checked my self into rehabilitation to address one of my obstacles… and today… I stand here as living proof that we all!!! Can overcome… anything that may discourage our intentions… On that note, I would like to once again… congratulate the class of 2006 for this great accomplishment.
I'd like to say to my friends, family, and most of all…. my Mom… That I love you… and now I would like to finish with a poem I wrote, it goes like this:
Life's but a road with many obstacles
But with a dream in place you can achieve the great
Seek leaps of grace, when you knock on doors?
Will you beat the race, could you reach that place?
With a lot of hard work and a little motivation
You get little farther with the goal to make it
Taken Step by step, in the mode of patience
'Til you get to the best on the road you're paving
Seize the moment with an inspiration
While you seek a knowing to the information
That you take within
Make that fate with a faith to win
Getting ready for the struggle let the games begin
Staying steady on the muscle we'll obtain the gem
You can do anything that you put your mind to
Look to the future never look behind you
It time to find you, climb the next stage
Life's but a book, got to find the next page
Look for the road of gold, go the best way
Get made; maybe get a check to get paid
But I'd say life's but an option endless
The meaning of it all? Try to spot the essence
Given time and work you could top the blessings
Pay homage to the time that you clocked at Edmonds
