I take a look at my tassels and I can't help but remember when I walked into The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) for the first time as a student. How alone I felt because so many people felt I was "too Good" to go to a "it's high school again" school which by the way it's just like ANY first 2 years of college which is basically high school classes. How I felt like I didn't have much support and how I pushed through to make sure I searched for the right resources to ensure my own success. I speak for the little guy that is constantly being told they can't do it. I am here to tell you you can.

People told me that CCRI wasn't worth it. It was because I found my passion through DECA, a business program that has its members compete in business tracks with other 2-4 year institutions from all over the country.

I even won 2nd place in the marketing track against UMass Dartmouth and a Community College student. People told me I was not going to transfer smoothly but I did PERFECTLY with the Joint Admissions Agreement (JAA) transfer program that got me into Rhode Island College (RIC) automatically without having to apply, alongside the help from my ACCESS people.

People told me that I wasn't going to get enough financial aid as a transfer, and so I searched for scholarships and worked hard to keep my grades high and now I am graduating from RIC debt free. I got to RIC and made the most amazing friends and sisters by joining the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I also made it out in two years post transfer.

Yeah, my college career lasted five years, but I would not change a single thing. Now I have 2 Alma Maters, 2 degrees hotter, and ready to conquer the world. No, I don't have a Wall Street job but who said I need one to be successful? If that's your calling, blessings to you, I am very proud of you. It's just not for me. I know what I want and I am determined to get it.

I have demonstrated that where there's a will, there's a way these past five years. I WILL succeed. I WILL, I WILL, I WILL. GOD WILLING I WILL. Thanks to all who have genuinely supported me from day 1. For those who came along the way to support me, and those who didn't, well thank you. I genuinely hope you all are doing well in life.

This success goes to you ALL. Let's cross this stage again shall we? Education anywhere is a blessing. And remember this, the student ALWAYS makes the school, the school does not make the student.