Mom,
Today you graduate (which is in the form of a luncheon because the ceremonies are every other year). You worked hard to get here. I remember when I was in elementary school, too young to stay home alone, you would rush to get from work, to the person babysitting my brother and I, to your night classes. At the time, dad worked a night shift as well. When completing the last two classes for the degree, after five days of working, you spent your Saturdays at class. I watched as you juggled to be a mom, a student, a coworker, a teacher, and a person devoted to God all at the same time. I know it wasn’t easy coming into the country, getting your citizenship, and building the life you now have. But you’re doing it, you’re building. You completed the class to help you speak and read English. You completed the classes to get your Associate’s Degree. You managed to get a better job with that new diploma. You continued to work hard. Now, you have your Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education.
Today we celebrate you. Today we honor you and your decision to keep pushing forward even when the times were less than ideal, even in the midst of difficult classes. You did it. I couldn’t be more proud of all you accomplished, and everything you will accomplish from this day forward.
This photo essay takes place at my mother’s graduation luncheon, in which she listens to wise words, talks, eats her meal, and enjoy the event meant to honor her, along with 38 hardworking individuals who either got their Bachelor’s or their Master’s.
Chatter fills the room as everyone waits for the event to start.
The director of the school does the introduction for the luncheon, also introducing staff members.
A student then says the blessing before the eating commences.
Everyone in the tables digs in into the meal, and eats.
My mom rises as they call her name in the recognition of the 39 graduates
Familiar faces are seen all around.
Inside an Optimist's Mind 