As I stand here on this day of June 1, 2006, before my fellow graduates, parents, faculty, and staff, I realize that today marks the end of a 13 year journey, filled with adventure and most definitely learning. Though it is the end of one journey, it is merely the beginning of a new journey, a journey whose path lies in the hearts, minds, and hands of each and every one of us. A journey filled with endless possibility and countless opportunity.

This journey for me and perhaps for many of you other graduates has been full of growth, dedication, determination, perseverance, success, and even failure. I remember going to pre-kindergarten thinking that school was all about fun and games. As soon as I entered kindergarten, I was proven wrong. Though I was disappointed at the fact that I could no longer just “hang out” with my friends and be homework free, I was also excited to learn that there was more to life than just that.

Over the course of my education I have been blessed to learn many things that would not only help me educationally, but in my life as well. I have been blessed to learn about some amazing things from truly amazing people. The most important thing I have learned is that every single individual in this world is living a journey. The things we do everyday effect where the next step in that journey will be. So far in my life, education has been that determining factor. Ever since I was a little girl, I was told that, “many things can either be given or taken, that education is something which is given, but something which could never be taken.” I have taken this phrase and placed it in my heart where it will stay forever. Whenever times have gotten hard and I would think about giving up on school, I remembered this phrase more poignantly than ever.

This thought of giving up on school is one that I believe each and every one of us has had one time or another. As I entered high school, the pressure was on to truly dedicate myself to my education in order to advance and hopefully receive a higher education. I now had a responsibility to not only attend school and do the work, but to gain as much knowledge as necessary to move on to the next step in my journey. I was learning as much as I could, however things never felt complete. The more I learned, the more I realized that there was even more to learn. This only added to my doubt in believing that I could pursue a higher education. This was until I attended AMES.

Before attending AMES, I would always think to myself, “I can’t wait until I graduate.” I can’t wait until I don’t have to do any more homework and when I can sleep in until 12 o’clock every day. These thoughts slowly turned into, “I can’t believe we only have a year left, three months left, a few weeks.” “I’m not finished learning, make the time go slower.” Don’t get me wrong, there was the occasional, “I don’t want to get up, I wish it were over.” The fact is that AMES has provided me with the last few stepping stones of my journey. There no longer lies a doubt in my mind that I will pursue a higher education. I can only see a future ahead of me and a past that has provided me with the understanding that it is my time to move on.

Today, I along with my fellow graduates will be declared the legacy class, the first graduating class of the Academy for Math, Engineering, and Science. I have but one piece of advice to give all of you today. The paths which our journeys will take are ultimately our choice. Be brave, take chances, be bold and create journeys filled with opportunity and possibility. For we only live one life, take the most out of every day and create a journey that when it’s all over, you will be proud of.
I am aware that my journey wouldn’t have been possible without some vital supporters. I would like to take the time to thank those who have helped me create the journey which is about to end and who will be there for when I begin my new one.

To my teachers who filled my mind with knowledge, my heart with love, and my spirit with possibility, I thank you.

To my family and friends, who helped me continue on the right path of my journey and who assisted me whenever I hit road blocks, I thank you.

To my remarkable school, for providing me with the best education anyone could possibly ask for and for showing me that there is an infinite amount of things to learn.

Finally, to the legacy class of 2006, my friends, family, and supporters, I have loved every minute together and I thank you for pushing me to strive to be a better student and person.
AMES Class of 2006, embark on your new journeys without fear, but with confidence. Always remember that the only ones in control of where our journeys lead us, is ourselves. I wish you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors! Thank you.

Alejandrina G.