Good morning! Directors, teachers, classmates, and dear families here today. My name is Lena, and I am a graduate of the Wake Tech HEP Program for farm workers. I qualified for the program by harvesting and packing blueberries.
It is a privilege to be here and represent the hard work of each of my classmates. We all should feel so proud of what we’ve accomplished to get here!
Just like me, I know that you are students who, along this journey, have overcome barriers, difficult moments, and the greatest obstacle of all: fear. Yes, fear—because perhaps the thought crossed our minds that we wouldn’t make it. But today we know that we have conquered that fear and can claim victory.
Many of us came to this country with many dreams, but when we saw the obstacles, we gave up on that dream, leaving it unfulfilled. We settled into complacency and thought we would never achieve that dream of graduating, of walking across the stage in front of a beautiful audience like this one. Today, I feel proud of myself and each of my classmates because we have successfully completed our studies.
Today we see the efforts of parents who sacrificed time with their children, spouses, and families. Yes, we had to give up going out or even sitting down at the table and enjoying a meal together. But the truth is: it was all worth it.
We are deeply grateful to know that this achievement is thanks to the support of the HEP program. Personally, I would like to thank Mr. Hugo and Mr. Héctor, who motivated us every day. Teachers, thank you for believing in me and in each of my classmates; thank you for sharing parts of your stories, which were an inspiration to us; and thank you for teaching us to never give up.
I want to thank my husband, my children, my family, and every friend who is here to celebrate with me today, and above all, I give thanks to God, because without Him, nothing is possible.
My plans are to continue my studies at the university to earn a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources. Now that we’re here and this dream has come true, I remember the words my son Manuel used to say to me every day: “Mom, you can do it.” And I want to say to you, who are giving it your all: “You can do it, too.”
Thank you.