Graduate Inspiration

Today was a joyous occasion as we celebrated the graduation of 11 women from the Magdalene program. As we sort through pictures, finding the best ones to sum up the feeling of the day, we want to share some words of wisdom that 2010 Magdalene Graduate Lashonda Williamson read to the community during the ceremony.

Many believe life is a journey

for which we seek answers,

formulate ideas,

have the luxury to dream of its ultimate gifts.

However, as humans, our search is like

an archaeological discovery

that has continuous unsolved questions

and only clues that may be

our key element to our purpose.

Today, I am not here to unsolve a riddle

or humor you with brilliant metaphors,

but to tell you during my search,

I discovered me!

Speaking to you today is a blessing,

in that I know if anyone could bless me

with any token of love in this audience,

it would be the gift of empathy.

Addiction consumed me

for many lonely nights and melancholy days.

I felt angry, lost and weary

at life’s despairing turntables.

When you hit the bottom of depression and fear,

prosperity is like the shining chandelier

hanging in a beautiful room.

I wanted LIFE again.

The ability to smile,

love and by loved by my precious friends and family.

When I reached Magdalene, it was like

I was a jewel

ready to be polished and shine again.

Superior thinking and helpful mentoring

allowed me to see what was important again:

LIFE!

Yes! I say to myself, “I matter. Shon matters.”

And I have a purpose!

I have swam the ocean of despair,

climbed that mountain of deceit

and skied that slope of a false utopia.

My utopia is this place of

love,

respect,

guidance

and hard work.

So, today, I don’t want you to walk away

from this commencement as if it were

of ordinary nature,

because being out there alone as an addict

is far from an average person’s natural instinct.

NO! It is not natural

to go through that obstacle in one’s life.

But, what separates today

from any other graduate’s day,

is that not only do I receive

a certificate of recognition,

but I also receive me.

And that’s the ultimate gift

I’ve searched for and found!

Thank you & God bless.