Graduation Day at Brookdale Community College is the crescendo of accomplishments that occur each May. The excitement, relief, and pride fill the campus, elevating even the most cynical. But my favorite part is the words spoken by those who have fought hard to cross the stage. Their stories, shared with the audience, inspire us to push ourselves beyond our perceived limits. A newly married woman who couldn’t speak English found herself living in the United States. She told the story of being pulled over and calling her husband to translate for the police officer. Then, she stood on the Dias and shared her story in English. The young lady, severely disabled, continued to challenge the institutions. After ten years, she wheeled herself across the stage to accept her degree. For me, the older adults have a special look in their eyes, many of them brimming with tears of pride. After years of ‘someday,’ today is theirs.
This year, the words of a soft-spoken young man delivered a powerful message. He was not athletic, scholarly, or particularly popular during high school. In his own words, he described himself as an introvert. He didn’t want college to be a repeat of high school; he wanted his college experience to be different. “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone,” and he had a plan this time. Each day, he did something that brought him closer to the life he wanted. He said, “It’s as simple as asking a classmate to lend you a pencil.”
He commanded the stage with all eyes focused on him. He shared his story. He reminded us that one small step into courage can change your life.
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