Graduation Speech -- Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

Fellow graduates, honored guests, faculty, administration: Minna-san, Konbanwa Dobri Vecher Buenos Noches Bon Soir Good evening. We, of Cedar Community College, are many nations. We are men and women, husbands and wives, parents. We are young and not-so-young. Behind the face of every graduate, and just as distinct, is a different story, a different reason, and a different use for the education for which we have assembled this evening to recognize. We serve to enrich the campus community, as we are not just a cross-section of this nation, but of the world. Displayed in the Brier Hall cafeteria are 50 national flags to signify our cultural heritage here at Cedar. Yet regardless of our diverse origins, we come here bound by a common thread: to acknowledge to ourselves and to others that we met and overcame the challenges needed to achieve this milestone. This great gift of education we entitle ourselves better prepares us for challenges yet ahead. There isn't one among us who hasn't made sacrifices, or know of someone who made them on our behalf, so we could be here thi...