Good evening, distinguished guests, faculty, and fellow graduates,

It is an honor to stand before you today as we celebrate our achievements at Portland Adult Education. Each of us has a unique story of persistence and determination that brought us to this moment.

For me, my journey began with a simple yet profound goal: to advance my career by gaining new qualifications and skills. In a world where the job market evolves constantly, acquiring recognized credentials is not just advantageous; it’s essential. However, my path was far from straightforward.

Our journey through the Darien Gap stretched 3 months and 4 days, starting from Brazil on September 2, 2021, and concluding in the USA on December 7, 2021. We traversed multiple countries, including Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, overcoming various challenges. In Colombia, we encountered delays due to ticketing issues before crossing over the sea from Necocli Colombia to Capurgana Colombia on October 1st, 2021, enduring a strenuous 12-day journey through the jungle

Navigating dangerous rivers, swamps, and scaling rocks, we traveled in groups for safety against wild animals like tigers, pythons, and black panthers. The journey was physically demanding, involving climbing mountains and enduring mosquito bites and swollen legs upon arriving in Panama on October 13, 2021.

Continuing through Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico, we faced deportation and detention attempts but persisted towards the USA border. Boarding cargo trains and trucks, we eventually crossed into Eagle Pass, Texas from Pedra Negra, Mexico, and settled in Maine on January 5, 2022.

After losing my important documents, including my credentials, in the Darien Gap while journeying to the United States with my family, I faced the daunting task of starting over in a new country. This setback could have discouraged me, but instead, it ignited a determination to prove that with perseverance and support, anything is possible.

I arrived in Maine in January 2022. During my time here, I have been taking care of my children and focusing on my education while waiting for my work authorization, which was issued late last year. At that time, I was pursuing my high school diploma at Portland Adult Education (PAE), which I successfully completed in April 2024. Currently, I am enrolled in a CNA program with MaineHealth through MidCoast Hospital in Brunswick, Maine, which I will complete by July 3, 2024.

Enrolling at Portland Adult Education was a pivotal decision. Here, I encountered teachers like Leslie Hunt, Briana Bizier, Heather Wood, Taika Brand, Barbara Mascarenas, Carolyn Lancia, Lauren Jordy, and Maryann Kurdyla, who didn’t just teach me subjects—they believed in me. Leslie Hunt helped me overcome my shyness, growing my confidence from barely existent to 40%. Maryann Kurdyla, with her patient teaching methods, helped me discover my strength in math, an area where I once believed I had no ability.

Maryann’s approach to teaching was a stark contrast to my experiences in Nigeria, where fear and humiliation often overshadowed learning. At PAE, I discovered that education isn’t about fitting into a mold but finding the right support to nurture your potential. It’s about turning challenges into opportunities for growth, a lesson I learned under the guidance of Carol Hager, who encouraged me to discover my hidden skills in mathematics.

Today, as I stand here overcoming my stage fright to address you, I am at 70% confidence, a testament to the journey we have all undertaken. Yes, there are nerves, but they are overshadowed by the unwavering commitment to strive for 95% confidence and beyond. This journey isn’t just about achieving a diploma; it’s about embracing every obstacle as a chance to learn and grow.

To my fellow graduates, I urge you to hold onto this moment as proof of your resilience. Remember the challenges you faced and conquered, the doubts you silenced with determination. Let this be a reminder that persistence is not merely a virtue but a force that propels us toward greatness.

As we move forward, let us not forget the 3Cs of PAE: Community, Curiosity, and Commitment. These principles will guide us in our chosen careers and in our journeys at various colleges. Let us carry forward the lessons learned here: the importance of perseverance, the transformative power of education, and the profound impact of supportive mentors. May we continue to push boundaries, break barriers, and inspire others with our stories of triumph.

Thank you, Anja Hanson, PAE’s academic advisor, for your unforgettable words of encouragement during my time of homelessness. From January 6, 2022, until June 2, 2023, we lived in the Casco Bay Inn in Freeport, Maine. It was a challenging period filled with uncertainty and instability as we navigated life without a permanent home.

On June 2, 2023, we moved to the Greater Portland Family Promise Shelter. There, we were fortunate to receive the care and support of Michelle Lamm, a kind-hearted woman who helped us through a difficult transition. We spent six months in the shelter, where Michelle’s kindness and support provided a sense of hope and comfort.

Finally, on December 15, 2023, we moved into our own brand-new apartment, a place I lovingly call Little’s Heaven.’ This marked the end of a 23-month journey to find a stable home. It was a moment of immense relief and joy as we settled into our own space, ready to start anew.

Throughout this difficult time, Anja, your words of encouragement helped me overcome my shyness and gave me the strength I needed to endure. Your support was a guiding of light, and I am deeply grateful for your kindness and guidance.

I also want to express my gratitude to all the teachers at PAE who generously gave their time to ensure that strangers like us from various continents could step into PAE and succeed. You made it possible for those whose first language is not English to speak fluently, and now they can speak, read, and write in English.

I am thankful to Portland Adult Education for providing us with the platform to realize our potential. Congratulations to my fellow graduates—may your futures be as bright as the paths we have forged together.

Thank you, City of Portland,

Thank you, Town of Brunswick,

Thank you, State of Maine,

God bless America.