Graduation

“We are all made up of others—All are called into the blend of oneself.” – Aram Saroyan

This truth was in evidence as I read some of the essays submitted by students this spring on “Why I Want a Degree from Northwest Vista College.” The essays were inspiring; here is an excerpt from one essay. To read the entire essay click here: http://www.alamo.edu/mainwide.aspx?id=30561.

“My inspiration for a higher education came from several thousands of miles away in a third world country called Iraq. While I found every Iraqi national to be very nice and friendly, there was one who stood out to me more than the rest. At just 24, he had probably seen more violence and terror in his life than all of us ‘soldiers’ combined. He went on to tell me of his dreams of one day coming to America and earning a college degree. To him, getting a higher education was about achieving the unattainable. He was killed in an attack while I was on leave.  For some people, going to college is an unattainable dream that will never come true. But for us U. S. citizens, it is that easy. That is why I want a degree from Northwest Vista College.”

Our graduates worked hard to achieve this milestone of an associate’s degree.  Each has a unique story, and each has made connections along the way.

Some of those connections have been with our dedicated faculty and staff members who have been there to support the students on their journeys. One of our graduates wrote in his essay on graduation, “On the day of the commencement ceremony, as I stand on the stage waiting for my name to be called, I will most certainly reflect on the face of each instructor and staff member that helped me along my journey to arrive at my accomplishment.”

Thank you for helping our graduates achieve their dreams. Their stories have become part of our story.