CORAL
Speech given by Coral
Bridge Program speaker
Community Learning Center graduation
June 20, 2002
SMILE
Honored guests, fellow students, family and friends:
On behalf of the Bridge students I want to thank you for coming out to
celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2002.
To all teachers and counselors, thank you for your support and guidance
throughout the school year. I'd also like to express my gratitude to the
Friends of the CLC for the scholarship that they awarded me to help me
achieve my dream of going to college.
When I immigrated to this country in 1982, my dreams were to become a
registered nurse. But becoming a nurse seemed impossible because I did
not have a high school diploma or a GED.
Realizing that there is nothing much I could achieve without further education,
I took classes at the Community Learning Center where I obtained my diploma
last year. This past year I have been taking classes with the Bridge Program
to prepare for college and explore career options.
Juggling night classes with a fulltime job and family responsibilities
was never easy, but the CLC was worth it. The best part of my experience
here was meeting many new friends and learning about their cultures. Also,
I appreciate the understanding teachers of the CLC, who listen and try
to help you in any way they can and who encourage you always to move forward.
Taking classes with the Bridge Program was very interesting and exciting
because I had the opportunity to visit college campuses and to sit in
on a college level algebra class, which was downright scary. But the CLC
has taught me not to fear new things, but to regard them as challenges.
At the time I was writing my final essay for high school, I decided against
pursuing a nursing career because it would take too many years for me
to finish the degree. Instead I have chosen Early Childhood Development
for my major. Some people question this choice because they think working
with children is too stressful, but I don't believe this is true. We all
were children once, and someone had to take the time to work with us and
train us to become responsible adults. And, most of all, the children
of today are the leaders of tomorrow. Someone has to take the time to
work with them and teach them right from wrong, to love them, and to let
them know that someone cares, so that when they become adults, they, too,
can love, teach, and work with the next generation.
A few years ago I wrote a poem called "One Wish" for The CLC
News, and I would like to share it with you now.
If I could have one wish
Oh, what a beautiful world this would be,
For there will be so much love,
More than enough for you and me.
If I could have one wish,
Our children will be free,
For there will be no violence,
Not even on TV.
If I could have one wish,
Oh, what a beautiful place to be
For there will be no more crime or negativity.
This world would be so beautiful for all of us to see
No matter who we are, or where we may be.
Because God made this world beautiful just for you and me.
Thank you.
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