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A place for Writing 12 students to read each other's writing, to critique, to suggest, to improve.
About Me
- Brad
- Former adult teacher who loves island beaches. Happy homebody and family man; once devoted dog owner, now without Tashi, my Tibetan Terrier. I prefer the absurdity of the imagination to the absurdity of imagining nothing.
21 comments:
Graduation speech.
Welcome family, friends, staff and the graduating class of 2007. Congratulations on your wonderful achievement. The PALC is one of the most richly multi-cultural places I have ever known. So many of my classmates are new Canadian’s. They walked through these doors unsure, unable to communicate and feeling much like children. Through the student’s own perseverance and much guidance from the understanding and always helpful staff here at the PALC, they’ve overcome, surpassed their own expectations and surprised themselves. The Pearson Adult Learning Center offers more than just a means to graduate. It gives its students a better understanding of this country. We’ve learned practical life skills we’re able to apply to every day life. Through civics we’ve learned about politics, shopping and family management.
So this is the start. I'm sure I've veered off in the wrong direction. Little help please?
Hi Stacey,
I've found a good resource that should help you (and other students who want to also help you!) I've put the link back into the post as I cannot put it here. A good start, but read the stuff on the Web then go back at it in my opinion.
Hi Stacey,
I love your first draft because it expresses all of my gratitude to our teachers. Thank you!
I haven’t read the website Brad recommended, but I think it will be wonderful if you say a little bit your own personal feelings and thoughts about graduation in your speech.
Hi Stacey,
Don’t worry about us immingrants too much.
I would really like to hear your personal experience. Like you said at the class: your friends have gone to college and you felt left alone; you were relieved to see James in the immgrants-domininated class. I think those are good details.
You don’t have to be politically correct. (Well, a little bit, but not overly) You said this graduation is really big for you, so pour your heart out and let us feel you! (And just throw in a couple of sentences about immigrants.)
And I’m very thankful to the PALC teachers. I don’t know if they do consciously (and my guess is yes), but they are making the place really welcoming and friendly. This is a good place, I felt from the start.
Hi Hiromi and Catherine.
Thanks so much for the advice. Hiromi, I sincerely hope I haven't offended you in any way. That was not my intention and if I have I apologize. I'm just trying to figure out a way to encompass all of our feelings about this occasion. It's much more difficult than I anticipated. I took the print out from our work in class and was just going from there. I'll post the rough draft of my own words and feelings here and you all can tell me how you feel about it. Thank you again and please, the rest of you, speak up. I'm really interested in your opinions.
Hi guys. Here's what I wrote in class last Thursday.
Graduation Speech.
I started working toward my diploma five long years ago. I’m graduating in the year that would’ve been my 20th High School reunion. Most, if not all of my friends graduated and went on to college. Many have very successful careers now. I’ve always felt lacking or less of a finished human being because I never graduated.
It struck me moments after handing in my final assignments for Writing 12 that I had achieved a very important personal life goal. The only other time I’d felt this sort of bursting pride was after the birth of my son. I stood there in the PALC parking lot fighting back tears. Pride is not something I’m familiar with and I found it disconcerting, to say the least.
I believe that if it weren’t for the wonderful and diverse people I attended class with I wouldn’t have gotten through as well as I did. I walked into the Writing 12 class last September one of two English as a first language speaking individuals. I was intimidated. I felt sure I wouldn’t be accepted and would remain a stranger among these other students. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I met people from Japan, China, Korea and Russia. All were welcoming, friendly, open, honest, funny and sincere. They are among the most intelligent and wonderful people I’ve ever had the honor to know.
Finishing my final credit to graduate among these warm and friendly people became fun. I looked forward to class each week and frustrated when for one reason or another I couldn’t attend. The Pearson Adult Learning Center is the most richly multi-cultural place I’ve ever known.
There is a large group of us graduating this year. This is due in large part because of the staff here at the PALC. Brad Hyde was our Writing 12 teacher this year and he’s amazing. Brad’s the kind of teacher you always hope you’ll get. He’s quick to help, unafraid of telling you the truth, always encouraging and funny to boot. He’s one of many wonderful educators here. There has never been a time when one of us walked into this school and not been received kindly by any staff member. All of them are quick to help and you get the sincere feeling that they really do want you to do well and succeed.
I remember how I felt when I first started this long trek towards graduation. I’m sure all of us felt daunted and couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Some of us walked through these doors new Canadian’s. Some of us were not able to communicate and that made it seem impossible to get to where we are today. We did it though, together. We had each other. I’m honored to be graduating among such open, friendly and wildly intelligent people. You’ve inspired me time and time again and I’m so proud to know all of you.
Stacey!
I didn't get offended AT ALL!
I just thought you are concerning about others too much. Much more than yourself. Don't worry about them. Write your stuff.
And it is so hard to put everyone's thought in one piece. (Imagine!) And summarizing them is. . .I don't know. . .not exciting?
You have a strong voice and I want to hear it. I bet we all relate to you.
OOOkay, I've read it.
I like it, Stacey! Like it!!!
Stacey!
A great draft; a great speech. And, no, not only because of your praise (though, hey, I can take it!). Especially strong in the middle where you refer to the other people you got to know while coming to school here. Got any friends to fill in for you next term?
Oh, and capturing that feeling that so many at the ALC share, that nagging sense of being "not quite as good as" someone who'd gone on to college. Remember that intelligence and education are two different things.
Stacey,
I read your Graduation Speech and I like it too. Don't worry, it is gread. I am looking forward to hear at 21st, Jurn.
Hi Brad.
I'm happy with the general feel of my second draft. I think though, that I should add, Welcome family, friends staff and the graduating class of 2007. Wondering if you can copy edit this for me?
Graduation Speech.
Welcome family, friends, staff and the graduating class of 2007. I started working toward my diploma five long years ago. I’m graduating in the year that would have been my 20th High School reunion. Most, if not all of my friends graduated and went on to college. Many have very successful careers now. I’ve always felt lacking or less of a finished human being because I never graduated.
It struck me moments after handing in my final assignments for Writing 12 that I had achieved a very important personal life goal. The only other time I’d felt this sort of bursting pride was after the birth of my son. I stood there in the PALC parking lot fighting back tears. Pride is not something I’m familiar with and I found it disconcerting, to say the least.
I believe that if it weren’t for the wonderful and diverse people I attended class with I wouldn’t have gotten through as well as I did. I walked into the Writing 12 class last September one of two English as a first language speaking individuals. I was intimidated. I felt sure I wouldn’t be accepted and would remain a stranger among these other students. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I met people from Japan, China, Korea and Russia. All were welcoming, friendly, open, honest, funny and sincere. They are among the most intelligent and wonderful people I’ve ever had the honor to know.
Finishing my final credit to graduate among these warm and friendly people became fun. I looked forward to class each week and frustrated when for one reason or another I couldn’t attend. The Pearson Adult Learning Center is the most richly multi-cultural place I’ve ever known.
There is a large group of us graduating this year. This is due in large part because of the staff here at the PALC. Brad Hyde was our Writing 12 teacher this year and he’s amazing. Brad’s the kind of teacher you always hope you’ll get. He’s quick to help, unafraid of telling you the truth, always encouraging and funny to boot. He’s one of many wonderful educators here. There has never been a time when one of us walked into this school and not been received kindly by any staff member. All of them are quick to help and you get the sincere feeling that they really do want you to do well and succeed.
I remember how I felt when I first started this long trek towards graduation. I’m sure all of us felt daunted and couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Some of us walked through these doors new Canadian’s. Some of us were not able to communicate and that made it seem impossible to get to where we are today. We did it though, together. We had each other. I’m honored to be graduating among such open, friendly and wildly intelligent people. You’ve inspired me time and time again and I’m so proud to know all of you. Congratulations class of 2007.
I think this is all I have to say. Brad, if you feel it's satisfactory could you please copy edit for me? I'd very much appreciate it. Thanks Hiromi, Catherine, Olivia and Brad for your comments. Means a lot.
Stacey,
I'll copy edit later on this week or on the weekend. The grad is on the 21st, so not a particular rush rush. Sometimes time and distance helps the editing process a bit (as you found in your own portfolio, for example). Kind of busy with marking, entering grades and the like, actually! Teacher stuff. . .
Sorry Brad. I suppose this is a really busy time for you. I didn't mean to sound as if I was asking you to run out right now and do that for me. Sorry about being insensitive. You're right, time and distance does give a person better perspective. Guess I'm just a little nervous. Hope you're taking some time to relax.
Hi Stacey,
You did a wonderful work!
I like your straight, humorous, and keen-witted speaking. Many of us might have a difficult time in our class without you. Thanks for your help!
I hadn’t thought too much about graduation, but now I changed my mind. I should learn from you and go ahead.
Congratulations and see you soon!
Hi Stacey,
Sorry for my late comment.
I like your last paragraph, especially from the beginning to the middle part. The description will encourage the students in English 7, 8 or 9. I'm sure your speech will inspire them.
By the way, I'm writing my feeling of graduation. Ah-I still don't feel like graduating...
Becoming a student again
“What’s the matter with you?” my mother repeatedly says whenever she calls to me, “you didn’t study at all when you were in college!”
I remember that time that I was bored with studying—dreaming about my graduation—I decided that I wouldn’t be a student anymore.
Amazingly, I became a student again. Attracted to the school website, I registered the PALC on Sep. 11, 2003, on my birthday. Since then, I have discovered myself that I like studying in English language with my classmates who came from various countries.
I never forget the day, the first class in the level 4. The teacher said, “The teachers will guide you to your directions but you have to walk on your own feet.”
I was impressed; I became more serious about my progress. The teacher was right. All the teachers in the PALC have closely helped me with my assignments and have encouraged me until now. Without their help, I couldn’t make my effort. How can I repay them?
I wish I could be a student at the PALC a little longer, but I know I have to think about my next task. I will keep in my mind the lessons from the teachers and will try to do my best.
Hi,Stacy:
Frankly speaking, I feel that the draft at the top of this page is just so so because it's deficient in emotional;however, the draft you wrote in class last thursday is so wonderful that I think even J.K.Rowling can not do it better, I'm honest.
I'm touched when I read " I stood there in the PALC parking lot fighting back tears. Pride is not something I’m familiar with and I found it disconcerting," I couldn't help to clap my hands. I can imagine when you finsih your speech on the 21st, some of audiences will figth back tears,like you;and all of audiences will burst into applause, like me.
Stacey, thanks for telling us a true story that is made of tears, courage and pride. I think this story not just belongs to you, but also belongs to those who are parents and still have new goals in their life to be achieved.
A small suggestion, in the third paragraph you mentioned that "I met people from Japan, China, Korea and Russia." I think it will be better if you change China to Mainland China, and add Taiwan.
Hi,Ritsuko:
I identify with you. I've never been a good student. Decades ago when I graduated from the college, I swore that I would not be a student any more;however, I became,like you, a student again in PALC. Finally, I appreciate very much that PALC gave me such opportunity. At this moment, what I want most to say is that you guys, the all teachers of PALC, are the best I've ever met in my life. You are so dedicated, responsible, friendly and professional. I will remember all of you and wish you all good health and a long life.
Stacey,
Further to Larry's addition of countries, add India to represent Harjit's country as well.
Graduation Speech.
Welcome family, friends, staff and the graduating class of 2007. Thank you for joining us on this special day. I started working towards my diploma five long years ago. I’m graduating in the year that would’ve been my 20th High School reunion. Most, if not all, of my friends graduated back in the 80’s and went on to college or university. Many enjoy successful careers now. I’ve always felt lacking or less of a finished human being because I never graduated.
It struck me moments after handing in my final assignment that I had achieved a very important personal goal. The only other time I’d felt this sort of bursting pride was after the birth of my son. I stood there in the PALC parking lot fighting back tears. Pride is not something I’m familiar with and I found it disconcerting, to say the least.
I know if it weren’t for the wonderful and diverse people I attended class with, I wouldn’t have gotten through as well as I did. I walked into Writing 12, last September, one of two English as a first language students. I was intimidated. I felt sure I wouldn’t be accepted and would remain a stranger among these people. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I met people from Taiwan, Mainland China, Korea, India, Russia and Japan. All were welcoming, friendly, open, honest, comedic and sincere. A warmer group of people I have never known.
Finishing my final credit among these fabulous people became fun. I looked forward to class each week and frustrated when for one reason or another I couldn’t attend. The Pearson Adult Learning Center is the most richly multi-cultural society I’ve ever known.
We have a large graduating class this year. This is due in no small part to the amazing faculty. Brad Hyde was our Writing 12 teacher and he’s great. Brad’s the kind of teacher you always hope you’ll get. He’s quick to help, unafraid of telling you the truth, even when it hurts, always encouraging and funny to boot. The teachers of the PALC share a profound philosophy; “I’ll guide you in your direction, but you’ll have to walk on your own two feet.” The educators here are one of a kind. They do a wonderful job of making the learning center a welcoming and friendly place. Every single staff member here is quick to help and you get the sincere feeling that they really do want to see you do well and succeed.
I remember how I felt when I first started this long trek towards graduation. I’m sure all of us felt daunted and it was hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Some of us walked through these doors new Canadian’s. Some of us were not able to communicate as well as we would’ve liked and that made it seem impossible to get to where we’re standing today. We did it though, together. We had each other. I’m honored to be graduating with you. You’ve inspired me time and time again and I’m so proud to know all of you. Congratulations class of 2007.
I've provided a very light edit to the speech in the main post. It's great. Now, working on delivery will be the most important step.
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