Wow!! We are here. I want to take this moment to have our graduates take their hands and give themselves a pat on the back.  I remember asking Jannette “Why is it that I’m here? What did you get me into? Is there a way we can get out of this?”  Her respond was “Let me look into it.” I’m glad she didn’t.

First week, government, I was in trouble. I cannot believe how much I did not know, or had forgotten about our government and how it works until Jac drilled it into our heads. O’Connors and Westlaw became our best friends. Midweek was a routine every Wednesday --  fighting traffic to Jac’s house and make sure to come in at6:30 on the dot and not a minute later.

Mock Trial. We rolled our eyes, we shook our heads wondering  -- what does this have to do with being a paralegal?  Well, let me tell you it was a great experience.  It prepared us to be attorney’s right hand and possibly attorneys one day.  We were fabulous. We rocked. We definitely had no time for any extra activities in our lives in the past 8 weeks. As for me, every Sunday after class, I was able breath and my kids can vouch for that. They will be happy to have their mother back.

Graduates I’m so glad that I got to know each of you along the way. All of you showed quiet determination:

Wayne --  the man who asked the right questions for the class and saved the day since most of us are fearful of Jac.  And the bonus questions, he’s the man. He is the fountain of knowledge. When you get the chance, ask him to list all the presidents in order. He will impress you.

Bridget, my neighbor, who I sat next to for 8 weeks and did not know her last name. Shame on me!!  Of course, Jac brought that to our attention last week.  Thank you for representing me so well in Mock Trial and getting me through it. You are a treasure.

Pat, a lovely lady, I’m with you all the way. Thanks for all the encouragement.

Jeri, “Shoot the dog” and  “Laura asked me to ask the questions.” were her famous phrases. Ms. Drama Queen with no holding back, OMG. Yet we still love having her in our class. By the way, appreciate the morning snacks. And Jeri’s mom, yummy peanut butter pie.  Don’t forget to send us the recipe.

Kareen,  -- the person who made 110 on the Final.  Where have you been?

Laura,  -- my new friend from Canada. Is it true that you had Jeri asked all your questions?  Have a safe journey home and hope you stay in touch.

Walter --  the prince charming, the famous Walter Williams. Guests, don’t forget to get an autograph and photos with Walter before you leave.

Jannette, -- my dearest friend, thanks for reminding me how many weeks we had left and to tough it out.

 I will see you tomorrow at work.

Louie, I know you did this intentionally.  Not wanting to make this speech!! See how fun this is.  You should be up here with me.   You are an A student and #1 in my book. 

Ashton -- you missed a few tests and days of class but yet you still shine. Outstanding and amazing!

Dalila --  the best test taker in this class, you made it look too easy. You were exempt from Final and yet you went for it.  Brave soul!!  You got your wish and received your internship. Congratulation!

Shelly -- Ms. Family Law all the way. Did you turn off your alarm?

Jimela -- your busy schedule with the new baby. We made it, girlfriend. Hope you achieved your goal with this class. Good luck in law school when you decide to go.

Chris --  the no period at the end of the sentence, the comedian of the class, you made us laughed every time you had to stand in front of us. Enjoyed it!!

Michelle --  What is it that Jac continued to assign roles and we are somewhat connected?  Enjoyed being your opposing counsel.

Manuel --  I did not have the opportunity to get to know you well.  But I did want to mention that you made it to the white board after the Final. Congrats.

Charlisa, our Valedictorian, you did not know the stress I went through to figure out a way to climb right back into your position as #1.   Who knows the preamble in this room besides Jac and Charlisa.  Amazing, right?    Congratulation! Now the pressure is on you to land a great speech.

Jac, where do I begin? Not enough words in the vocabulary to describe this woman. But I will use a few.

You are a brilliant lawyer, an amazing and a remarkable woman. You poured yourself into this class and inspired us to do the same. You made it hard. You forced us to stretch and grow, reach and think.

I will treasure the experience and knowledge.  I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Last but not least each of us today want to thank our family and friends for supporting us as we went through this intense paralegal course.  We know that without you we would not be here today.

Graduates, we made it and make Jac proud.

Thank you