For the Graduates

Here is the speech I'm giving as commencement speaker this Saturday. let me know what you think!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Graduates, Faculty and Staff, I am truly honored to be here today. Graduates, Congratulations, you've done it. Graduation day; it's an outstanding accomplishment, but I'll talk more about that in a few minutes.

First, I'd like to tell you a little about me, about what college at Westwood was like for me, what I had to do to get where I am today and how the obstacles I faced helped me get here.
When I first came to Westwood I was working in a job that had no future for me. I'd been there about a year and I'd peaked. I was working in advertising, but I only had a high school diploma; with that and my 5 years experience I wasn't going any further in my career. Since my experience was in marketing and advertising I decided that I would continue in that direction and enrolled in the Graphic Design & Multimedia program at Westwood. When I started I was working 8 – 5 during the day and attending classes from 6 – 11 each evening. After a few terms I lost my job and my access to a vehicle.

Every time I visit the campus Mr. Webster says to me "Remember when you didn't have gas money or a car to get to work."

There was even a point where I was donating plasma just for an extra $50 a week. That was during Mr. Blinn's Web Design class, there were 2 nights a week I would have to have a snack at the beginning of class because I had just come from donating at the clinic.

So, there was a lot that tried to get in my way while I was in school. I think all in all I had 4 different jobs, went several terms without a car, and had a broken arm during my year and a half at Westwood. A lot of you are probably like I was, adults returning to school, so there is a lot to overcome. But making a plan and having goals in mind is what got me through.

I've got a quote I'd like to share with you. "Obstacles are those frightening things you see when you take your eye off your goal." Obstacles can be pretty frightening, especially if you can't look past them.

Just about every instructor I had at Westwood has us talk about our future plans and goals at some point, especially Ms. Sheeran. You know, I'm still not sure if she's teaching English or life planning. But, that's one of the great things about this school. The instructors have been there, and done that; they have real world experience and are eager not just to educate their students, but to train them on how to survive after school. So with the help and encouragement of my teachers I had a plan.

A few months before I graduated I got a job at a print shop. I was assisting their graphic artist and learning how the printing process worked. Because of that experience I was able to get hired the day of my graduation as a graphic artist for a company in downtown Fort Worth. I had been working closely with the outstanding team in the Career Services department at Westwood, and shortly after graduation I had to turn down several job offers. So I was making pretty good money, but my plan was to work for myself. I started doing some freelance design work and then began doing my own photography, rather than pay someone else to do it. As a result I was able to quit my job and just work as a freelance photographer and graphic designer.

I've done work for large companies in Dallas and agencies in Las Colinas, Dallas and Fort Worth, I've got a growing list of photography clients, and I'm headed toward opening my own studio and gallery one day. And it's all thanks to planning that started at Westwood.

Now I'd like to talk a little bit about what you graduates have been doing the past year and a half. Sure, you've been getting your education. You've learned how to work in Photoshop and Illustrator, how to solve network problems or how to take a patients vital signs, but you've also been learning more than what your diploma says. The technical training you've received is just the cornerstone in the foundation you've set to build your future.

You've learned time management, planning, prioritizing and teamwork. You've learned all the skills you'll need to succeed in the corporate world, including how to write a properly cited research paper, thank you Ms. Sheeran. You've done what a lot of people haven't done. In fact, less than 50% of Adults in this country complete even a 2 year degree.

You've over come the obstacles and reached an important goal, and I congratulate you. All that's left to continue your success is tomake a plan, set your goals and when an obstacle comes your way, look right past it and go for the goal!
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LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK FOLKS!