It's said that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. At GateWay Community College, the accomplishments of our graduates are celebrated along with their ability to persevere when faced with difficult circumstances.

This extraordinary commitment, desire and strength displayed by our graduates is illustrated by sharing a few of their stories.

Sondra Francis, an adult re-entry student and graduate of the Hydrologic Studies program decided to return to school several years ago. However, after several unsuccessful attempts, coming up against one wall after another at other colleges, where she struggled to even meet someone willing to take the time to help her sort out her options, she felt ready to give up. It was then a colleague of hers suggested a program at GateWay Community College and gave her the number of Lisa Young, program director for GateWay's Water Resources Technology programs. "From the moment I spoke to Lisa," Sondra expressed. "All doors opened up. My opportunities became clear. Lisa was the first person to give me a direction and continued to help me along the way." To further place challenges on her pursuit of a degree, during her educational journey, Sondra grieved the loss of her father, provided care for her mother, worked a full time job, and had the shock of her life in becoming widowed. Yet through GateWay, she endured. She overcame. And she reached her academic goal.

Catherine Follett, is a graduate of the Medical Radiography program was diagnosed with breast cancer half way through her coursework. Catherine not only faced the rigorous academic and physical challenges the medical radiography program demands, but she did so while enduring the burdens of chemotherapy, and emotional and physical distress. Through this hardship she still managed to keep up her attendance in class and at her clinical sites. Catherine, you are to be commended.

Orlando Vazquez, is a graduate of the physical therapist assisting program. Orlando came from Mexico to GateWay with his wife after only one year in California. He often took courses for honors credit. During his time at GateWay, Orlando witnessed the birth of his first child, whom he cared for in the afternoon and evening while doing his homework as his wife worked. Orlando worked weekends in order to provide sufficient support for his family and afford out of state tuition. Through all of his hard work, Orlando has added to his life experiences and now has the opportunity to teach his newborn how to overcome in the face of adversity.

Class of 2002 valedictorian Lacey Dawn Little is another graduate of the medical radiography program. Lacey bravely underwent life threatening brain surgery, not once, but twice within just three months of starting her program. Enduring such physical, psychological and emotional trauma, along with the demands of the program, Ms. Little sits at the top of her graduating class.

These are just a few examples of the "tests" our graduates have passed. All of our graduates could be singled-out as have these four. No matter what tests life threw their way, they caught them, embraced them and allowed GateWay to support each individual student in passing them. No matter what road you have chosen, as an automotive technician, a nurse, an office specialist, a chemist, or health care provider, you have endured academic and life challenges. As you have your own, you have the power to change a life.

Congratulations to you all.