Class 2001 - Student Graduation Reflections

Mike E.

Two years ago I was told by my doctor that I would have to find a new line of work because of ongoing physical problems. My only option was to return to school to get some kind of formal training. Not knowing where to turn, (in my preview life I was a used car salesman.and that requires almost no skill at all.) I asked a few old friends what I should be when I grow up and to a man they said an ADS Counselor. Being both broke and broken, I turned to Vocational Rehabilitation and they agreed with that opinion. I found myself back in school after a very long absence. I was unsure that I would be able to pull this off after a long, long layoff from any meaningful form of education. My wife also thought that the prospect of gainful employment sounded like a pretty good idea.
The DVC ADS Program ahs taken a broken-down old man and turned him into a fair to middlin' counselor! My gratitude to the outstanding staff of miracle workers assembled by Donna Wapner. I offer my deepest thanks. I leave now with a bit of poetry:
At one time a cheat and a con'er,
I was considered to be a sure goner,
So who would 'a thunk
That this stinking ol' drunk
Could distinguish himself with high honor.

And now the long odyssey ends
with the help of my classmates and friends.
And to those I have slighted
(and possibly spited)
I offer my heartfelt amends.

Godspeed to all.

Raquel J. C.

It's been a long and hard road through my time in this program. I have learned a lot about the disease of addiction from the teachers that I have had the students in my classes and the clients and staff that I have had the honor of knowing during my internship and employment. I am very grateful that I have also been able to use what I have learned in the Alcohol and Drug Studies Program for my own personal recovery and self-exploration.

Working in this field is extremely difficult, and by being in this program, I have gained more knowledge of how to use my skills working as a drug and alcohol counselor. I have learned about the drugs themselves, the cultural diversities of the clients (and staff members), and how drugs affect the body and brain. Through learning the fundamental of this program I was even able to start a relapse prevention group at the facility which I had been hired at.

Thank you all for your support. I hold each and every one of you close to my heart.

Doug M.

An alcoholic and drug addict with the most hideous and mean-spirited personality was the person my Dan and Mom's cute little kid turned out to be - through no fault of theirs. For almost 25 years, I sucked that bottle, shot, snorted, smoked and swallowed those drugs, and raged through people's lives.

Then one day I realized what a contemptuous and ugly person I had become, and through the miracle of an anonymous 12-step program for alcoholics, I was set upon the path that is taking me back to be the person God intended that cute little kid to become. Less innocent and bruised, but not entirely broken.

After a few years, a bird planted a bug in my ear, a suggestion that I might try working with other alcoholics and addicts that were also struggling with their disease. The bird led me to Donna and he cohorts here at DVC, where I trudged through the most challenging and rewarding series of courses I have ever taken.

I have come to love the little work that I've done so far. I have a real passion for it, and I am so grateful to the little bird, Donna and company, for their support and encouragement. At almost 50 years of age, I think I have found what I want to do when I grow up.