Class of 2000 - Student Graduation Reflections

Jill H.

To all of you who have shared my path the past 3 years, you can't know what an inspiration you've been to me. I started this program in January 197, on a whim - a friend suggested it might be kind of fun. She pulled out, but "something" prodded me to enroll anyway. I thought it would be a piece of cake because I already had a business degree - how hard could a certificate program be? Well, here I am now, 3-1/2 years later, humbled, more self-aware, and immensely grateful to have had this experience. I have learned so much more in this program than just about pharmacology, codependency, dual diagnosis, counseling, etc.

. I have met so many people, from so many walks of live, in recover and not, of all shapes, colors, beliefs, etc., and my eyes have been opened to the wisdom, intelligence, capabilities, contributions and beauty in all of them.

. I have had the opportunity to interact with many instructors in the ADS program - all of them inspirational and willing to give of their precious time to their students to further the "cause" of substance abuse treatment and prevention.

. I found my calling by being involved in this program. I was able to use my teachings here to help my father in the last year of his life, and discovered a passion to help seniors with their substance abuse and problems.

. I learned that for me to find fulfillment in this life, I must give of myself to others. And through this new knowledge, I have learned to see myself for the loving, caring woman that I am, not the selfish, self-centered woman I had always thought I was.

. I have learned to be a better friend, lover, mother and daughter.

Tavia R

Wow! What can I say..
This program has truly changed my life. I came into the ADS program ready to be educated in drugs and alcohol; I was not expecting a life change and that is what I got.
I shared my life history in co-dependency which landed me in therapy once a week. I found out later that's what I needed to survive my life.
Thank you to the ADS teachers whom I feel honored to have had share their knowledge and wisdom with me.[.].
My whole life has been enriched and nourished by this program. The ADS program has been fun, hard, painful (co-dependency) and rewarding (graduating). It's all been worth it. For the first time, I have completed and accomplished something meaningful and desirable in my life. [..]

Vicki B.

Some people know that I love turtles. Not everyone knows why I love turtles. There is a fact about turtles that we all know, but few of us take the time to relate it to our lives. Turtles only get ahead by sticking their necks out!
When I learned this fact and began applying it to my life, I started a new journey. Participating in the ADS program has been an extension of that new learned philosophy. I have met some awesome, dedicated people and I am a better person because of you. I've watched all of us stick our necks out a bit and we have all learned more because of our taking the risks.
I pray that you will each continue to stick your necks out. I pray that you will be aware of where you are in your life and where you are going. I pray that you will remember to care for yourselves as you care for others. I pray that we will meet again.