Adult Education Centres

Amanda Smadella
Class of 2010
Valedictorian Address — June 25th, 2010

Good afternoon honored guests, ladies, gentlemen, children, and most of all the graduating class of 2010. Robert Gallagher said, “Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.”  It is inevitable and indeed gratifying to see that our graduating class matured, and became skills proficient, ready to tackle and further their life-long education.  It is inevitable that we will all face new beginnings and challenges.  We will learn new information, gain new skills, and above all, we will remember our journey that started at Adult Education Centers.

I remember the excitement I felt, when I found out that my funding for school would be approved and that I was given a second chance at education.  I remember the feeling I had when I put the fresh, lined paper, into my new binder; the odds and ends into my pencil case.  The first day of classes, September 14, 2009, 9:00 am, would change my life forever.  In the months to follow, my binder was full, and knowledge was flooding my thoughts–I was satisfied.  Then I immediately doubted myself and this new journey I had embarked upon.  I told myself every day how lucky I was to be able to have such amazing teachers, friends, and family who kept encouraging me.  For this I am truly thankful.

I believe we have all come here with goals and dreams that we are trying to achieve and blend into our lifestyles.  We all strived for one goal together and were able to achieve this goal as a unit.  We have had different experiences in our lives, but we had the same goal of wanting this knowledge.  I know for many of us, it will be an amazing feeling to be truthful on our resumes, or be part of the gang that made it to the finish line.  Take time to notice your friends, family and teachers that are here today to celebrate with you after this long run!

Today is a day to celebrate.  We have shown ourselves how fearless and bold we really are.  We are optimistic about the future, and realize that we have our own special qualities and gifts to offer the world.  Clearly we realize what motivates us!  What this also means is we have mastered time management, financial planning and problem solving skills!  Today is a day where we not only accept our diplomas, but we are recognized for enhancing ourselves as people, while working on other areas of our lives as well.

After something has been done, everybody is ready to declare it easy, but before it has been done, it is called impossible. One reason why people fear to embark upon great enterprises is that they see all the difficulties at once. They know they could succeed in the initial tasks, but they shrink from what is to follow.  Yet “a thing begun is half done.” The surmounting of the first barrier gives strength and ingenuity for the harder ones beyond.  Mountains viewed from a distance seem to be un-scalable, but they can be climbed, and the way to begin is to take the first upward step.  From that moment the mountains are less high.

I would like to share a poem with you about determination and being successful at whatever you set your mind to achieving. It’s called “It Couldn’t Be Done” by Edgar A. Guest:

Somebody said that it couldn’t be done,
but he with a chuckle replied
that “maybe it couldn’t,” but he would be one
who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried.

So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
on his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
that couldn’t be done, and he did it.

Somebody scoffed: “Oh, you’ll never do that;
At least no one ever has done it”;
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
and the first thing we knew he’d begun it.

With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
without any doubting or quid it,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn’t be done, and he did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
There are thousands to prophesy failure;
There are thousands to point out to you one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.

But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
That “cannot be done,” and you’ll do it.

 This poem reminds me of driving to school every morning, trying to get my cup of coffee that would allow me to be awake enough to partake in class each day. The marathon of getting through a Tim Horton’s drive-thru, and making it to class on time…jeez! Let me tell you! I could have sworn I left early this morning.

For the last nine months, I would open the front door to the Adult Education Center and was pleasantly greeted by Erica, Cheryl and Phil. I would like to thank these three people for always having an open ear, encouraging words and being ready to tackle any task that students or teachers had to present to them.  Their kind nature and friendliness made the transition of coming back to school so enjoyable.

Phil McBurney, our director at the school, needs to be recognized for his passion for education coupled with the realization of the need, to have an adult education facility in our city.  I enjoy reading his blogs on the Adult Education Center’s website and will continue to read his inspiring words. From “Richard’s Red Corvette”, to “Butt Time and Other Keys to Post Secondary”.  His blogs always gave me a pat on the shoulder.  I am glad and thankful that I had Phil on my team.  His smiles, chats, and kind encouragement were much appreciated.

I would like to thank our friends and families for taking this journey with us–for encouraging us to work hard to try and accomplish our goals.  For all the friends that listened, gave advice, and encouragement.  For all of the children here today who were patient, while mom or dad studied, and left our binders intact.  I know there were a few days where my son was very interested–what was in mom’s big pink binder anyway?

I would like thank our dear teachers who from day one were patient, kind, nurturing, humorous, giving, intellectual, strong, reliable, consistent, encouraging, understanding, and, most of all, educated.  The teachers at Adult Education Centres are an amazing team.  I cannot thank each and every one of you enough for believing in us, guiding us and truly becoming our friends for the last nine months.  For taking an interest in our lives, and listening to stories about our children, or anything that was happening on a daily basis.  Not once, did I have a teacher turn me away and tell me that they did not have “time”.  Not once did I ever feel like I was not part of Adult Education Centres. From the day I stepped into the building, they took my under their wing and made me realize that I have potential to succeed, and I’m positive that everyone one of us graduating today feels the exact same way.

I would like to thank everyone who helped in some small way, even if it was just a smile that we shared while rushing to our classes . From here we are going to University, to jobs, to our families.  Take this time to really cherish what you have accomplished today.  Smile, take pictures, give hugs, share a few tears, and accept words of encouragement that will allow you to advance to the next level in your lives.  The road on our next journey is going to be just as rocky, but today we have earned our hiking boots.  So lace them up and wear them proud because I am confident that we are all on the right road to success.  Congratulations again to our team and the graduating class of 2010!