Class of 2005-2006 - Student Graduation Reflections

Dennis W.

They say that it is not about the destination, but about the journey, and what a journey it has been.My time at DVC has been filled with many highs and a few lows. I have been taught more about myself these last two and one half years than I have learned in all of my time in recovery. I have interacted with some of the most intelligent, thoughtful people I have ever met, and am a better man for it. I have learned about the Treatment side of recovery from dedicated and knowledgeable instructors. I have made lasting friendships that will continue to enrich my life long after I leave this place.

I have buried a father and grandmother, ended a relationship, quit smoking, and altered my lifestyle so I can live longer to do this work. Throughout all of the lows, whether you knew it or not, you helped carry me through to the other side.

I will make a difference because of what I have learned, who I have met, and who I have become during my time at DVC. It has been my honor, and a privilege, to be amongst all of you. I thank you all for the experience.

Joel R.

My experience at DVC has been an eye-opener; to say the least. I have learned first and foremost that knowledge is indeed power, and for me to be able to take something from my classes back to the community that I serve is truly a blessing for me personally.

I am a 30 year old male, recovering addict with seven years clean and sober. I have put in a lot of work on becoming a positive and productive member of society. After eleven years of using and many trips to jail and prison, I feel empowered to say that the ADS Program has played a huge role in my personal recovery.

I must thank Donna Wapner and the many teachers that gave me another piece of the puzzle. Thank you.

Michelle D-P.

It took me years to understand the words my father, my hero, said to me when I was a young girl growing up, “In order to truly love someone, you have to love yourself.” I love you I am as a person and what my beliefs and values are. I am a mother, of which I am the mot proud; I am a daughter and a blessed with a caring mother and a father who will always be in my heart; I am sister and have a family who I respect and look up to; I am a friend and take the time to really listen when they need me; and I am a student who looks forward to diversity and challenges.

My values that I live by are honesty and integrity. I believe in God; loving someone unconditionally and without selfishness; treating everyone with respect; having compassion and empathy for those who are suffering and for those who are battling the disease of addiction; treating everyone as equal and understanding that no single person is better than the other; and being non-judgmental because who am I to judge someone. I believe in forgiving someone who has hurt me and forgiving myself when I have made mistakes. Who I am makes a difference, because we all make a difference in this world.