It's been a journey of hope.
That's the message that valedictorian Mary Jane Jeffery sent to her fellow graduates during the convocation ceremony Friday morning at the Nova Scotia Community College graduation in Stellarton.
"Each of my fellow graduates and myself arrived here one or two years ago, not knowing what to expect," Jeffery said. "Some of us were excited, some insecure or anxious, but we all had a common goal. To be here today, to graduate."
But together, they all chose to hope, said Jeffery, a graduate of the Human Services program with a concentration in Community Services.
"From applying to the community college, through the trepidation of the first day of classes, and finally to today, our graduation day, this has been a journey of hope," Jeffery said.
"The classrooms we so hesitantly entered became a home, our classmates a second family. We have spent much time together, not only in the classroom but in sharing meals, stories and confidences - it has meant so much to share this journey with friends."
The ceremony recognized the achievement of all 346 Pictou Campus graduates who earned diplomas and certificates over the last academic year. It was also an opportunity to celebrate the support graduates have received during their academic journeys - from family and friends as well as NSCC employees.
"My experience has been nothing short of amazing," says Jeffery. "I have had such great opportunities presented to me through NSCC and through networking on my work placements. I was able to travel internationally with the College and have been able to access many amazing volunteer opportunities. I secured employment through the connections I have made while at NSCC."
That's just one sample of the success the graduates will achieve, she said in her valedictory address.
"Our success is here and now, feel it and bask in it, for at least a moment," said Jeffery. "You made it, no matter how many times we felt today would never come, we have succeeded. Through our educational journey we have gained skills, in our area of study and life, that we will carry forward with us."
Many will continue on with their formal education, she acknowledged, while others will find employment in their chosen field and some have no idea what will come next.
"All of us go on carrying something more than we arrived with - the hope for our future combined with the knowledge we can achieve," she said.
Jeffery challenged her fellow students to bring the lessons they've learned into the community and inspire others to obtain the same hope, dreams and achieved successes as they have during their time at NSCC.
"Right now, the world is ours; we can go confidently, knowing we can be successful," Jeffrey said. "My wish for you, my fellow classmates, is to go after your dreams, do not left go of your hope, but rather build on what you have started here."
Graduates received over $3,500 in awards and prizes awarded at the ceremony.
The following awards were presented:
· Governor General's Academic Medal - Andrew Robert Grantham of Lakeview, Carpentry
· NSCC Board of Governor's Award - Kevin MacNeil of Westville, Electronic Engineering Technician
· NSCC Foundation Award - Angela Brown of Westville, Continuing Care Assistant
· NSCC Gold Medal - Heather Publicover of New Glasgow, Medical Office Assistant
· President's Award - Karen Goodwin of White Hill, Continuing Care Assistant
Fast Facts:
· 4,500 NSCC students will earn diplomas and certificates this year across the province
Graduates at the Stellarton campus received $3,500 in prizes and awards for their achivementsThere were 346 graduates at the Stellarton campus on Friday
NSCC offers more than 100 programs in five academic schools across 13 campuses.
86 per cent of NSCC graduates are employed; 83 per cent in their field of study
