Commencement Remarks
Daija Russell, Student Speaker
May 21, 2011
Thank you Dr. Richards, distinguished platform party, SUNY Orange faculty, staff, friends, guests and the very reason for our presence here today — the members of the class of 2011.
It is a privilege and an honor to be the student speaker, on this lovely morning, representing the beautiful class of 2011.
Being involved has done so much for me. When I first started college I was a very shy and laid back individual and now I have a confident, independent and “in your face” personality.
I also had the privilege of creating a brand club at the Newburgh Campus.This club shall forever be known as the Newburgh Campus Board of Activities. Two other students and I built the foundation for the specific reason that we wanted to leave our college better than we found it, and just to let you know we’ve succeeded far beyond our own expectations. During my experience here, I accidently stumbled upon my life-long mentor, who is the assistant director of student activities and the advisor of the Board of Activities on the Newburgh Campus, and he is Mr. Edmond Lugo. He has taught me a tremendous amount of life changing experiences that I don’t have the time to explain, but my life will forever display its gratitude.
The Board of Activities has allowed me to meet new people, who I now consider being my second family and dear to my heart, I love you BOA! Since I was natured so well into being a great student leader I was able to teach my organization that Leaders are like Eagles – you find them flying strong solo and not collectively in flocks.OrangeCountyCommunity College was your home nest but now it’s time to be like an eagle – spread your wings and soar!
Always remember that in order accomplish any goal in life that you must have a vision and that vision must be supported by your belief and driven by your actions.
To the class of 2011 your very own classmates have something to say. From one classmate to another:
I love you, congratulations, we did it baby!!!! I’m so proud of you!!!! It’s about time! It’s over now!!! Look how far we came! You’re more than a friend to me, you’re my sister! I couldn’t of done it without you! Thank YouBest wishes and Best of Luck!....and that sums it from your fellow classmates.
As we decide on our future beyond SUNY Orange keep this in mind. It is always easier to point a finger than accept responsibility. If you are really looking for change in your life, you need look no further than the mirror. By changing ourselves – we are changing the world.
Before I make my departure, I would like to read a poem that I wrote which was written and dedicated to each individual of this graduating class of 2011.
Graduation Poem
It wasn’t easy getting here
Several days came and disappeared
Some of us loved going to class
And some of us just kept chanting
“Please let me pass, please let me pass,
Please let me pass
But when its all said and done we have accomplished to study more hours than we slept
We have mastered to complete that
“OH NO I forgot we had homework” on the bus without skipping a beat
Some of us enjoyed math
And some of us thought it was a life challenging task
But we have all mastered that special formula of
1 hour of television for a piece of mind
Divided by .5 of a commercial
So we can update our face book status
Because that’s the only social life we could get at that moment
Multiply 1 by the number of classes we signed up for
Plus 3 extra hours outside the classroom to study for a one credit class but for some reason our professor thought it was 4
Now carry that answer which is X over to the fraction of family over your job and divided that by the 2 hours of sleep you have left…
Now that’s not even the half of it
But I know that every graduate can agree with me when I say that college is not easy
Over the years we have formed amazing relationships with several of our classmates
And with each semester we have obtained another outstanding trait
That describes us as a human being
But just because you have eyes, doesn’t mean that you are truly seeing what’s ahead of you
But thank God for putting that special someone in your life to help guide you
Because of your strength and determination you are here today!
Being a college student is not a 9-5
Monday through Friday
But it’s a Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 24.7 mini career
But class of 2011 realize that everyone is here today to
Scream, cry, laugh and give us a big cheer
When we move our tassel from that side to this side
It is a national illustration
That we have completed X amount of hours and X amount credits and we will receive a degree
And look at your name on that diploma glistening ever so nicely
So to the Class of 2011
I want to say congratulations on your graduation
Today you are the crossing the finish line
Entitled the beginning
Now you understand the true meaning of class
And its NOT:
“A group of students meeting regularly to study a subject under the guidance of a teacher {and that’s from dictionary.com}
But “class” according to Daija Janay Russell.com is a
Collection of leaders and successful students
Who are preparing for the future of tomorrow
But in the words of the legendary Malcolm X
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. If you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything.”
Thank you & Congratulations & God Bless!!!!!!!!