Graduation Reflections

Trident Technical College held its first socially distanced commencement ceremony on Friday, May 7 at the North Charleston Coliseum.

Colleges and universities typically invite their highest academic achievers - the valedictorians and salutatorians - to speak at graduation.

At Trident Technical College, it's about more than just a GPA.

Each year, two graduates are chosen through an audition process for the coveted speaker spots. Students are asked to prepare a four-minute reflection about what brought them to TTC, their educational journey, obstacles they faced and how their TTC experience contributed to their success. A panel of student leaders, with oversight from faculty and staff, rate the candidates on content, organization, language and delivery. The winners then work with public speaking instructors to polish their skills.

Over the years, a number of TTC graduates have stood on the coliseum stage and expressed their personal stories of hopes, dreams, stumbles and victories. Their narratives are diverse, but common themes always emerge: obstacles overcome, second chances seized and confidence gained. The joy and gratitude in their voices is unmistakable.

Their stories take you on a journey that may seem unfathomable. Yet, there they are, standing at the podium, proving to themselves and thousands of audience members, that change is possible and success is achievable - for any student who works hard for it.

Nicolas Ullo and Quati Woodberry-Gadson, TTC 2021 graduation speakers, were no exception. Nicolas graduated with an Associate in Arts degree and will pursue a Bachelor’s degree in mass communications this fall. Quati, who earned a Human Services Associate’s degree, is ready to begin a career of advocacy and service.

These two graduates have very different life experiences and different plans for the future, but they have more in common than you might think!

Take a few minutes to watch both videos on you tube by clicking the links below. You may also watch the entire graduation ceremony, which was livestreamed on Facebook, here.

Comments

New Laptop is a Game-Changer

When life throws you one challenge after another, you start to appreciate the small wins. For Trident Tech student Kristi Salvo, receiving a new laptop through the Student Urgent Needs (SUN) fund was a game-changer. Like students across the country, Salvo’s in-person classes were abruptly switched to an online format this spring due to COVID-19. But she knew her older computer couldn’t keep up with the online demands and she couldn't afford to buy a new one. “I was already dealing with a lot and it felt like this was going to be the thing that would break me,” she said. Salvo, a veteran of the US Air Force, struggles with health issues, including a back injury and a severe autoimmune disorder. In March, she and her husband separated, leaving her to juggle the responsibility of being a student, while also being a teacher to their two young children. All this, while trying to stay healthy and safe during a global pandemic. After Salvo and her children moved into a smaller, mor...

The Path to Success

As the 11th of 14 children, Kathy Simmons knows what it’s like to be a part of a close-knit family. Which is exactly why she has made her way back to Trident Technical College 33 years after graduating in 1985. Kathy’s path back to TTC began with her desire to fulfill two goals – advance her education and travel – and she figured the best way to accomplish both was through the military. So Kathy joined the Air Force in 1987, and did indeed accomplish both goals. She received her Bachelor of Arts while stationed in Minot, North Dakota, her Master of Arts from Erskine Theological Seminary and she has completed 60 hours toward a Doctor of Education from Walden University. She saw much of the country and spent time overseas in Korea. After the military, Kathy found herself back at TTC in the Admissions and Registrar’s office, and it was there she realized she really wanted to stay in education and help students find success. But a wise mentor once told her that in order to advance...

Alumna Living her Best Life

E arning a college degree is challenging enough. But for single parents, it can seem like an insurmountable feat. Costs like living expenses and childcare only add to the stress of paying tuition. Making time to study usually means waiting until after the kids are in bed, leading to added exhaustion and stress. When Joyce Antonetty attended Trident Technical College as a single parent of two young children, she knew it would be difficult. But she was determined to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a Fitness Specialist. “I wanted to help people become a healthier version of themselves,” says Joyce. Joyce had been down this road before. Like many Trident Tech students, she had attended a four-year college immediately after high school. But when she was waitlisted to enter the Physical Therapy program at MUSC, she postponed her dream in order to start a family. Joyce's life took an unexpected turn when she went through a divorce in 2010. She held se...

Change Starts Here

Search This Blog