COED/BA Commencement marks a memorable experience

On May 14, 2010, graduates from the College of Education of Texas A&M International University stepped into the spotlight.
As commencement began, Claudia Guevara, a graduate that night, proudly held the College of Education banner as she stepped into the Kinesiology and Convocation Building. With her marched 125 graduates receiving a bachelor's degree, and 45 receiving a master's degree. Each graduate proudly walked down from the stage with their degrees in their hands and their tassel on the left side of their caps.
Joe Arciniega took the stage as the invited Commencement Speaker. As a former executive and local theater supporter, Arciniega set the tone for the night. Dr, Keck proudly gave a list of all his endeavors and accomplishments, which only proved that he was the right man for the job. Arciniega urged the graduates to invest themselves in art, for it is the way of the future. He closed his speech by serenading the entire crowd in the Kinesiology and Convocation building, and by wishing the graduates the best of luck with whatever they do with their lives.
Maricella Salinas, a graduate of the College of Education, received her Master's degree on the night of commencement. After two years of hard work, research papers, and exams she finally finished. As she later described, with her head held high, she received a treasure that cannot be replaced.
"I feel that your education is very valuable and no one can take that away from you," states Salinas.
To her, the degree she holds in her hand represents much more than a simple piece of paper. It represents success and triumph. But Salinas isn't quite done yet. She intends to pursue a second master's degree which she will start immediately.
She confesses, "I want to pursue a second master's degree for the benefit of my students. I take education very seriously and I want to give that back to the upcoming generation."
Salinas had the marvelous opportunity to boast her achievements and future goals with her family and friends.
Even though the movement of commencement caused a lot of tension and controversy, families still stepped out to show their pride and love for their daughters, sons, wives, mothers, and fathers,
Even with only six invites, cheers, balloons, and love were present at this commencement ceremony.
Like Salinas, there are many who see their education as a way to give back to the future. These graduates learned a lot along the way, and now they will put all that into practice.
Salinas quoted Tom Bodett, an American author, "The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson."

For more information, please visit www.tamiu.edu/commencement

(Alyson Martinez may be reached at alyson1007@dusty.tamiu.edu)