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Salutatorian Speech from Graduation:
Welcome to the Graduation of the Comeback Kids. We have an amazing story to share with you this afternoon. Our story
begins with our BJ times -- Before Jac. You knew us then as your wives, sisters, daughters, sons, brothers, and family members.
We were normal then and we did all the things normal family members do. We did laundry and we went to the grocery store. And
then April 6, 2008 arrived and our DJ - or During Jac - time started.
We came to class that first day for 14 different reasons. But by the end of those eight hours we became united by a single
thought - survive to succeed. To do that we became like a sponge and tried to absorb everything we heard and saw. We quickly
discovered learning from Jac was a lot like drinking from a fire hydrant. Open your brain and just keep swallowing! Our new
best friend became O'Connors and we definitely had no time for anything frivolous in our lives. Exercise became lugging around
twenty pounds of paralegal books. And, believe me, we needed the exercise since every weekend there was a buffet in our classroom
that rivaled Lubys.
As the DJ weeks unfolded, we learned there really was a method to Jac's teaching style. She forced us to stretch and
grow, reach and think. We learned an amazing amount about the law, but we also learned about ourselves. Along the way we laughed
and cried, stumbled and struggled. This class was paralegal boot camp and we were the rookie recruits.
Slowly the gifts we each brought to the class began to emerge.
Joanna. In Joanna we found the gift of a helpful heart. We always knew we could count on her to help with an answer and
we would always get it with a smile.
Michelle. Michelle was our encourager, comedian, and social director. Michelle truly is one of the funniest people I
have ever met.
Wilma. Wilma was our dignified professional. A Bank Vice President by day, she became a serious paralegal student by night.
Liz. Liz showed us serious determination and sheer joy. The day she saw her name on the board and knew she would not have
to take the final, we saw sheer joy.
Suhan, Brittney, Chandra, and Nancy. All showed quiet determination. Through computer crashes, illness, and absences,
these ladies did what it took to succeed.
Sarah. Sarah was our academic leader. She made everything look so easy. We all wondered what it would be like to be so
gifted.
Deborah. Deborah knew more about government than anyone in Washington. She also found her voice along the way and realized
she could do anything.
Wendy. Wendy had the gift of inquisitiveness. She was always asking questions and eager to learn.
Rich. Rich was our resident optimist and fount of information. Rich knew something about everything and his coffee cup
will always be half full.
Gidget. Gidget actually named us The Comeback Kids. I also remember something Gidget said the first day - Failure in this
class is not an option. I thought of those words many times along the way.
And now we come to Jac. I know this is hard to believe but I am at a loss to find the words to say thank you from all
of us. I must admit, however, that during those long weeks of homework, finding words of thanks were not the ones foremost
in our minds. But they are now. In the end, we accepted your challenges, stood together, got up when we fell down, and realized
that rare words of praise from you carried a great deal of weight. You are a brilliant lawyer and an amazing woman. You poured
yourself into this class and inspired us to do the same.
Now the AJ - After Jac- times have come and we will remember what you said.
"You are the first class in which no one dropped out along the way and everyone passed! I could not be prouder of
you. With great admiration, Jac."
As for me, it has been a privilege to stand in this group. I will take the gift that each one of you has offered. I say
to you, as I said to Jac, "You have written in this chapter of my life, challenged me to excel, and taught me to believe
I could succeed." So from Miss Bippity Boo's heart to yours, my wish for you is - May all your dreams come true!
Congratulations Princesses and Prince Paralegals! WE DID IT!
Wendy Sharetts
June 14, 2008
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| Wendy Sharrets gives a report |
| In this together |
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| Joanna Meade and Michelle Ozuna |
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| Standings |
Can we get extra credit for that?
| Gidget Ortiz |
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| She's Number One? |
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| Valedictorian Sarah Bryant |
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| Gidget Ortiz |
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| Wilma Bradford |
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| Michelle Ozuna |
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| "I just want that million dollar trust fund!" |
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| Joanna got so many cute things! |
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| The Wendys cut and serve! |
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| Gidget Ortiz as Kelly Belew |
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| Rich Brzoska |
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| Wendy Auxillou |
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| Suhan Shae |
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| Salutatorian Wendy Sharetts |
Paralegals -- the REAL Power of Attorney!
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