Commencement
Student Speaker: Ellen Suleiman
KEEPING YOUR DREAMS ALIVE
Good evening…Distinguished Faculty, Administrators, Friends and Family, and of course, my fellow graduates. I am truly honored to represent you this evening at the 2006 Edmonds Community College Commencement ceremony.
Each and every one of us has worked so hard to get here. Each of us has accomplished one of the most difficult parts of our educational journey: that first step toward our dream. And, yes, for many of us, it was a long and difficult trail, but that has made this day even more fulfilling. You know, our graduation class truly is a diverse group. Just look at our various backgrounds, experiences and ages. Our dreams are just as diverse, but may be more similar than we realize.
As a child, growing up in Sierra Leone, West Africa, my dream was to become a medical doctor. My interest in becoming a doctor started when my brother developed a mental disorder. I always wished there was something I could do to make him remember his family and to stop him from being violent with his loved ones. However, my life took a different turn because of civil war. The war disrupted my education, our lives.
When I came to the United States, I had every intention of keeping my dreams alive. But looking at the amount of years it would take and the sacrifice my family would have to make to see me get there, I decided it was impossible. I thought, "It will be up to my children. Maybe one of them will become a doctor and help make the world a better place."
After giving up the possibility of becoming a doctor myself, I received a call that would forever change the course of my life. My friend asked me to help her fourth grader with a simple math problem. Not knowing how to solve the problem, I could not help her. After hanging up the phone, I decided I wanted to go back to school so I could help my own children with their schoolwork. The next day, I drove to Edmonds Community College and took the placement test. I was placed into math 60, which is an elementary math class. I was pregnant with my third child at the time. After my first quarter here, I saw an adviser about getting a science degree. After that meeting, I made an executive decision that this is it, no more turning back: It starts with me. I will pursue my dreams no matter how long it takes. I remembered what Socrates said, "Dare to become better at the end of your life than you were to begin with." And I said to myself, not only will I dare, but I will succeed.
I have believed my whole life that going to medical school requires a lot of dedication and hard work. That is no doubt the truth, but avoiding taking the first step will not make it any easier. When I finally took the first step and started school at Edmonds, everything around me changed. I improved my intellectual abilities, going from elementary math to calculus, from not knowing chemistry to taking an entire year of chemistry, going from zero computer skills to mastering many computer applications. These are just a few of countless things I achieved at Edmonds Community College.
As a result of all the things I've learned, I am not only able to transfer to a four-year university to get a bachelor's degree, but I am proud to say I can now help my first grader with all her schoolwork. Because I have helped her and taught her the value of education, my daughter has started doing extremely well in school. Eventually, my children will pass the lesson I taught them on to their children and their children's children.
This fall, I will start training to become a nurse, help people and make a difference. And just maybe - one of my children will become a doctor and they'll be working beside me to make the world a better place.
Today is a day of celebration. You all graduated because of your own commitment to your dreams, your goals - and a lot of hard work. You all will admit we have taken numerous finals, managed complex group projects, written research papers, spent countless hours studying and doing assignments. Edmonds Community College changed us. From the education we have received here, we have been enriched personally and professionally, and we will benefit not only our community, but the United States as a whole.
Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. Look at the big picture and think of what you are going to accomplish. Like Christopher Reeve said "A hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."
Finally, there are many people to thank for our success. On behalf of graduates, I want to give special thanks to our families and friends who have supported us through this journey. To my husband, Kumle, thank you for your support and helping make my education possible. I would also like to thank the wonderful instructors, the student government and above all the tutors at the learning support center.
So now, Edmonds Community College graduates, it is time for the next step. I ask that you keep your dreams in your heart and mind while you continue on your journey.
Congratulations!
