Class of 1997-Student Graduation Reflections

James McCarver, Jr.

  Who I am makes a difference because of where I have been, where I am today, and where I am going. I have been on a journey that has taken me to mountains high and valleys low. I have seen things that are to awful to talk about. I have also experienced some of the best that life has to offer. This is what makes me who I am and today that I am makes a difference, because I stand for something real.
    The person I am today stands for the platform of righteousness, peace, and hope. Honesty and integrity are the keys to who I am, and that makes a difference. Those who know me know me for who I am and not who I pretend to be. Who I am makes a difference to those who knew me when I had lost my purpose and my way. The person I am today gives hope to those who still suffer. A loving God has given unto me the strength and ability to pick up the pieces of my shattered past and become a whole person again, and that makes a difference.
   My family, friends, and community have witnessed the fact that who I am makes a difference. I am someone who against all odds stood up one day and said, "Yes, I can," and when I did that it made a difference to my entire circle of influence. Who I am has impacted many in my community to the point that my story and my success have made a difference in the lives of some of those who have watched me. They are now following in my footsteps.   Who I am makes a difference because of the knowledge I have gained in the ADS program at DVC. With the knowledge I have gained I will be able to help others help themselves, and that will make a difference. Today I can truly say that I thank God for who I am, it makes a difference. I am confident, competent, reliable, dependable, but most of all, I am totally aware of who I am. This has made a tremendous change in how I view the world as I continue my life's journey. I pray that I never forget that who I am makes a difference.

Robin W.

     The difference now in who I am is what makes the difference. Now I accept the responsibilities of my life. Now I care about myself and that allows me to care for others. I'm kind when I was once cold or indifferent. I carry the message of hope to my workplace and in all areas of my life. The education I received through the ADS program has enabled me to get in touch with myself and my feelings. I have been able to turn my past drug use and scattered life into a positive influence, to where I can give to others and give them the courage and hope that they may need.

Lorretta W.

         I am that black woman who is still discovering and recovering this life long process. I am the sound of music and the rapture of the ocean waves. I am the one who holds her head a little higher in so many different ways. I am the mother who has cried a billion tears because I never understood wasting years. I am a daughter who felt shun an cast. I was a wife who never had a life or a marriage that ever lasted. I was full of anger and very loud. Now I am calm, that's my new style. I make a difference because at last I have found my magic looking glass. I make a difference because I've made my parents smile and my children glad, my sisters and brother get jazz.
    I make a difference because I've committed to keep my vow. I make a difference because I've completed, what a gain, it's so profound. I've released my anger to the heavens. This is not the end, just the beginning of the new life I live.