Elma Kuchar Kelley

Jacob Neusner’s commencement speech points the finger not only at the graduating students but mainly at the faculty members. He sways towards how easy-going, laid back, and forgiving the professors and other faculty members were towards their students. In that sense, Neusner clearly states that these students aren’t prepared for what’s about to come because they have always had someone hold their hand every step of the way and shown forgiveness in this fantasy called “college.” College is supposed to help you get your feet wet and aid students with preparation for the harsh so called real world. Many thoughts ran through my brain while reading this speech as did my emotions which were up and down like a rollercoaster. As much as I agree with Jacob Neusner on the fact that college and the “real world” are

On Sunday, May 23, 1999, Anna Quindlen made the Commencement Speech at Mount Holyoke College. During this speech, Quindlen spoke out to graduates, offering encouragement and advice as they prepared to join the workforce. Her intension was to inform them of perfection, people’s standards, and being you. Quindlen uses examples from her life to fulfill her purpose.

* Pre-School Teacher. Ms. Barbie finished her 2 years in Education and has three years experience as lead teacher.

Surprisingly, I obtained two diplomas and a letter signed by the President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, congratulating me for my excellence and achievement in school. Additionally, I accepted a diploma for the “magnificent” personal narrative I wrote, which I read for everyone present at the fifth-grade ceremony. Nevertheless, receiving all the rewards and praise from my family and friends were nothing compared to my third-grade teacher’s last words to me; words that still echo in the back of my mind and make me cringe till this day. “I always knew you could do

A long 20 years have passed for me to be on page 87 of my autobiography. My life is at a secure base, something that helps me feel confident in my abilities. As my last semester at John Tyler starts to wrap up, I can see how much progress I have made and how hard I had to work to get where I am now. My classes are fun yet challenging, and my peers are encouraging me consistently to do even better than the last test or project. Even though I plan on graduating at the end of this semester and attending a new college, I will never forget the experiences that John Tyler gave me to prepare me for VCU.

Aminata’s love for education comes from her father, and it acts as a light that

Mrs. Rowe, the Assistant Principal, has “trained teachers and taught students in Benin, West Africa; taught in an integrated program for at-risk students in Los Alamos, New Mexico; started a program for at-risk students in Mahopac, New York; and taught AP, Honors, special ed., at-risk, and low-level readers in the Cherry Creek School District.” (Aurora Academy, 2013)

Shenitta Niles is on her third semester at Roxbury Community College. She got her high school diploma back in 2011 from Charles Town high school. She originally started out at Bunker Hill Community College, but later transferred to Roxbury Community College due to the low cost, convenience and transportation. Although she is a mother of a young child, she attends the college full time pursuing a major in early childhood education. Constantly being around her daughter and other young children has inspired her to pursue that career. She isn’t sure on the type of field she hopes to work at once she finishes her associate’s degree, but she will continue on to a four year college pursuing this path. Nevertheless, a long term goal of hers is to

“Since then, generations of students from all backgrounds have to this school to be challenged, inspired, and empowered. And they have gone on to become leaders here in Maryland and across the country, running businesses, education young people, leading the high-tech industries that will power our economy for decades to come.”

When the students that are graduating from this school hear these words, they want to live up to their best abilities. It makes them want to be courageous and take on any frightening chances in life. With the tone that comes along with these words, it adds

In Anna Quindlen’s “Commencement Speech at Mount Holyoke College,” she effectively develops an emotional bond with her audience through personal anecdotes and the juxtaposition of her speech with others in order to persuade them to defy societal pressure. Quindlen begins her speech with a reflection on her experience as a college student, explaining that “being perfect became like always carrying a backpack filled with bricks” and advising students to “put down the backpack” (Quindlen 20, 25). With a candid portrayal of her own college years, Quindlen demonstrates to her audience that she has undergone the same struggles, referring to their shared hardships as if to say: I understand the struggles you are going through now and I just want to

The impact of words will change the views and opinions that others have. The change of opinion stems from an influential speaker to a degrading bully; the views and opinions of religion, self-image or worth, goals in life, or the stance on a topic alter due to the power of the words. During “Graduation Day” Angelou describes three main speakers: the principal, Mr. Edward Donleavy, and Henry Reed, the valedictorian. The author, Angelou, states the most impactful speakers include Mr. Edward Donleavy and Henry Reed, during her graduation day. Mr. Edward Donleavy’s speech turned the joyful, excited graduates and community of Lafayette County Training School into a humiliated, degraded community, killing the hope and optimism in each person (Angelou,

Immediately following high school, she entered nursing school and subsequently attained BSN, Master’s degree and a doctor in education at Columbia University.

Shoneka Kelley discusses the topic of change in Forum 4, and presents an interesting perspective about the challenges of constant personnel rotation in her workplace; the Department of Justice (DOJ). Shoneka explains mobility clauses and that changing faces, ideas and ideals are inherent in her organization.

What happens in a moment, can change the course of an entire lifetime. Such can be said for the brave and compassionate students of Saint Brother Andre High School.