Completing my High School Diploma, what does it mean to me?
When I immigrated to Canada I went through some changes in my life, I left my father, mother, brothers and friends. Transitioning from my culture to this new one was not easy. Especially with a new language, new way of life and new weather (especially the weather!), but I found myself in a world of opportunities. Most of the time I was afraid to take them, afraid of the unknown and the obstacles to come, afraid of failing, but nothing compares with the gratification that comes from the achievement of something that you have started.
Graduation is not the end of something as much as it is the start of something. It means the opportunity to become something that you dream about. It is an opportunity to give back, to take you out of your comfort zone, to do something for someone else and to make a difference. The opportunities are out there, let’s go look for them and get them.
We’ve all heard that a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Taking action is the secret. Every story you’ve ever heard, every leader you’ve ever admired, every little thing that we’ve ever accomplished is the result of taking action. We have a choice. We can either be passive or we can be the active hero of our own life.
I’m grateful for the support of my wife and kids during this journey and their unconditional love. Thanks to all the staff members at HAECC and their wonderful guidance and counseling. Thanks to my father, mother and brothers for their encouragement.
But, the greatest satisfaction I get from this achievement is to be an example for my kids. I have the opportunity to show them that the good desires from our hearts can be accomplished, that goals do not come without obstacles, that failure is a part of life. And I have an opportunity to begin again. Failure is learning, changing and growing, it is an opportunity to be successful. It is the opportunity to find ourselves.
Thanks to all.
Roberto Rubio Lopez