Good evening ladies, gentlemen, and graduates. My name is Diana Gomez. First of all, I want to start by congratulating you all on your achievement tonight. I know a lot is going through your minds right now, but just know that everyone in this room is very proud of you. It blows my mind to think that it has been six years since I graduated from the Transition to College program. I want you to know that this program changed my life for the better.

After graduating from high school and with limited English, I joined the workforce where I performed different jobs earning only minimum wage, and I did that for over ten years. Tired and unhappy of unsatisfying jobs, I made the decision that the only way that I was going to change my life and find my dream job was if I earned a college degree. Thanks to God, to the support of my family, and to this wonderful program, my life took a turn for the better. At TTC, I not only learned the skills that I needed to become a better student, but I also found the motivation that I needed to be successful in everything I wanted to accomplish.

Just two years after completing TTC in 2014 and while I was attending CCRI, I was hired as a secretary at a landscaping company, and while there I made it my personal goal not to stay in the same position, but to grow, and within a year of working there, I was promoted to an administrative assistant; just last year, I was again promoted to accounting assistant, which has been the best thing that has happened to me, because my absolute dream is to one day become an accountant.

I graduated CCRI with an associate degree in Accounting last December and it was one of the best things that have happened to me. It took me six long years to finish my degree, but it was all worth it. Seeing that diploma on my wall brings a smile to my face every time I look at it. I know that earning my associates’ degree is just the beginning, and now I have the confidence and the motivation that I need to keep going.

Right now I am taking a break from school to fulfill another dream of mine that is to become a mother, but this only means I have two more reasons and two more supporters to keep me going. I say two because I am expecting twins girls, and I am certain that my girls will be proud of me when I finish my bachelor’s degree.

Lastly, if I can give you one piece of advice that is to never forget your purpose and the reason why you are doing it. No matter how hard school gets, or how tired you are with work and family duties, just know that you can do it and never give up.

Thank you and congratulations……