Comments on: The Graduation Speech I May Never Give

By: Janice Voorhies

Janice Voorhies — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 01:55:18 +0000

In reply to Peggy Margetts. I think you nailed it, Peggy. Our strength is all of us moving in the same direction. Seems like that should be obvious, but it takes a pandemic to remind us. Some people seem to radiate that understanding--you are one of those.

By: Janice Voorhies

Janice Voorhies — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 01:50:31 +0000

In reply to Becky DeGraffenried. After reading your comment, I want to know more about how you managed to conquer addiction and homelessness. You must be possessed of enormous self-will, a trait I admire enormously.

By: Janice Voorhies

Janice Voorhies — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 01:48:30 +0000

In reply to Denise J Wilcox. Amen. Times like this reinforce that, regardless of all the hype, people have the power to make the world around them better--which is why I love you, Denise.

By: Peggy Margetts

Peggy Margetts — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 16:43:05 +0000

Inspiring as always, my friend! Our strength throughout life seems to always come through the adversity we face and the lessons we learn. This graduating class has a bright future because they have seen first-hand that complex challenges arise, but with the help of EVERYONE, we will face them, overcome them, and forge ahead, better people than we were before. Thank you for always expressing things perfectly.

By: Becky DeGraffenried

Becky DeGraffenried — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 15:43:59 +0000

Thank you for this! At the age of 47, I am graduating college. I overcame a nasty addiction and went from homeless to college graduate. I was so disappointed that my Mother and my Son would not be able to come watch me walk across that stage and get what I worked so hard for, shed tears over, spent many sleepless nights brooding over. But, I have come to realize that one of the purposes of the past two years was to teach me not just book learning, but how to be a good person. I have learned acceptance, humanity, compassion. I believe it has prepared me for a moment like this where we have to reach deep down and find our inner strength, put aside our wants and focus on others. I’m okay with not walking in a graduation ceremony, because I think this whole thing has been like a final. A final to prove that I have learned what my college education is truly about, being a person with a lot to offer. I have been asked to record a speech for our scholars luncheon ( which we won’t be gathering for), and I now know what to say. Thank you!

By: Denise J Wilcox

Denise J Wilcox — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 04:12:55 +0000

Excellent! We need daily reminders of what really matters. In our City we have seen so many step up to help, even in the face of potential dangers. I am amazed at the strength, convictions and caring of the people of Southern Nevada. It makes me proud. It also should serve as a reminder to us all that we ARE strong, industrious, humane and fiercely fighting to put things right.