Moments before 160 graduating students crossed the stage at Lawson State's fall Commencement ceremony, they were reminded repeatedly that this is just the beginning.
The degrees, certificates, and other credentials they earned mark the start of what's next and what needs to be done, said President Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony.
"Your future is bright. Embrace it with boldness, courage, and confidence," she told them.
"Lawson State has provided you with the foundation and skills to grow and lead," the president said. "What's next? Where do you want to go from here? The answer is 'anywhere you want.' Have the courage to boldly pursue your dreams."
The fall graduates included those receiving associate of arts degrees, associate of science degrees, professional certificates, associate of occupational technology degrees, and other credentials.
As a class, their areas of study are wide-ranging, from art, business, and nursing to graphic design, welding, and cosmetology.
Among them was speaker Belline Semanyo, a 4.0 general studies graduate who started at Lawson as a GED student. The Togo native enrolled in the adult education program in mid-2020 and joined the English as a Second Language program.
"I came to build a new life here in Birmingham. It was scary," said the wife and mother of two preschoolers. "Where I'm from, there is a saying: 'It takes a village to raise a child.' I can say now that it took a village for me to be standing here today."
She will transfer to UAB next year to pursue nursing and has her sights on becoming a nurse practitioner one day.
The one thing she wanted her classmates to remember was simple: "No excuses. The opportunities are here. You only need to take advantage of them."
