Hats off to the Creamos Class of 2021
*This speech was delivered to Creamos graduates by our Executive Director, Hannah Sklar during our graduation ceremony on November 5th and we wanted to share with you a translated transcript.
Creamos Class of 2021,
This has not been a typical year. Your homes have been transformed into classrooms; you’ve become teachers to your own children; many of you who had never used a computer adapted to online education. You stayed up until the wee hours of the morning, long after your family had gone to sleep, to do your homework. On top of everything, the past year has been one of loss. Among us are those who have lost jobs, loved ones, and the close contact and support that makes Creamos so special. But I did not come here just to talk about challenges. I am here to remind you that your hard work has not gone unnoticed.
When the universe forced you to pivot from in-person learning to distanced learning, your dedication, perseverance, and commitment persisted. I saw it every time you came to turn in your homework, or signed on to a virtual class. You entered this school year with an open mind. You were vulnerable, and you trusted our teaching staff to guide you despite the distance.
If I had one piece of advice for you, it would be this: remember the power of community. Sometimes we are taught that our success hinges upon someone else's failure, but the two are not mutually exclusive. Around the world, we see those in power who will do anything to get ahead, no matter the impact on others. If we have learned anything throughout the past year, it is that we need to change this way of thinking and living. We need each other not only to get through this pandemic, but to build a community in which everyone thrives. Never forget how interconnected we are.
I don’t believe that graduation is defined by a cap, gown, or diploma. Graduation is defined by your own courage to take the next step - to close one door and open the next. Your story doesn't end here. You are graduating into a world that desperately needs your strength and resilience. We believe in you, and now you must believe in yourself.
“[My teachers] have shown me so much patience. There were moments when we thought about giving up but they were consistently helping us...I feel like if it weren’t for this patience that they had with us, we wouldn’t be here today.”
