Commencement
Student Speaker: Kanchana Kularatne
“We couldn't change the direction of the wind… but we definitely adjusted the sails to reach our destination!”
Good Evening! President Oharah distinguished staff and faculty, administrators, my loving family, friends, and of course, my fellow graduates who I am honored to represent this evening at the 2007 Edmonds Community College Commencement ceremony.
To me, “Commencement” signifies a new beginning… each of us have worked hard to achieve success today, by accomplishing part of our educational journey. Amongst are busy daily lives, pursuing our goals is a difficult accomplishment but we are all here today, because we have achieved that success and overcome those difficulties - magnificently. This is just the beginning; and all of us have far more to accomplish.
On 26th December 2004, the very same day that I left Sri Lanka, my home and country, to come to the United States in pursuit of higher studies, the Sumatra tsunami shattered the majority of South Asia. I was disheartened to hear that Sri Lanka was one of the worst affected countries, and that over 35,000 lives were lost, and over 400,000 were displaced including the lives of family and friends known to me. I felt lost and hopeless not knowing what I could do living thousands of miles away.
A few days after, I entered Edmonds Community College as a new international student, to my amazement and relief during my time of grief, there were many staff and students waiting for me, who were expecting me, and who welcomed me with open arms as if they knew me from years before. This was the remarkable beginning to my amazing and unforgettable experience at Edmonds Community College.
My intention is to pursue graduate studies in Medical Anthropology and to become a public health advocate in developing countries such as mine. My interest began when my father was diagnosed with a very rear medical disorder. I witnessed the agony my family had to go through just to learn more about the disease and its treatment options. Seeing it all, I was determined to help others in similar situations get answers.
From the very beginning, the staff and faculty at Edmonds CC supported and encouraged me to achieve my goals. They showed me the possibilities; it was up to me if I had the motivation and encouragement to take on the challenge. Growing up in Sri Lanka, I had witnessed civil war, natural disasters, and the constant struggle for life. I was one of the lucky ones -- to have parents who always encouraged me to be well educated.
At Edmonds, in less than a year, I took a great step towards achieving my dream while participating in many extra curricular activities. After two years, I am proud to say that my achievements have taken me much further than I would have ever thought I would go. I've learned that there are many opportunities out there, and with courage, determination and the right attitude we can accomplish anything.
Graduates of 2007, today is our day -- a day of celebration for us all. We are here because of our own dedication to achieving our goals and dreams. We couldn't change the direction of the wind, but we definitely adjusted the sails to reach our destination.
We've had good days, bad days, finals, presentations, group projects, research papers, online labs, regular labs, home work while juggling a range of other obligations to work and family. But we all changed for the better each and everyday personally and professionally. Even though you may not feel it right now, this is where we start to make a difference to ourselves and countless others in the world. We will make the world a better place from today -- with the foundation provided by Edmonds Community College. Look around you -- opportunities are everywhere especially for determined individuals like us.
At this point…
I would like to thank my dear parents, Ranjit and Sriya Kularatne -- I am so honored to have you here with me today, my loving husband Gagana, my parents in law Jayantha and Weera Arachchi.
I know we all have those people at the college who meant the most to us. Personally, I would like to thank the staff of International Student Services and the Office of Student Life, and especially, Lucy Quek the very reason I came to this college.
I wanted to thank all the faculty who especially helped me, but there are so many, and I might leave out one of the people who meant the most - So let's give them all a great round of applause.
Very special thanks also to the Triton Leadership Team, Members of the Student Government and ALL my dearest friends -- All of you have made a difference in my life.
Thank you Edmonds CC for helping us Every Step of the way…
And to all my fellow graduates and your families, -- CONGRATULATIONS -- you have done it in grand style and I applaud you for your perseverance and determination in getting here, today!!!
