Environmental

by Rudy Contreras
(Phoenix,AZ Maricopa)

Hello everyone my name is Rudy Contreras

I tried to think of something profound to say today, but it may be too presumptuous to assume that my short life experience is enough to impart any great wisdom. However, I will at least share with you something that I have learned. Wisdom is something of an enigma that cannot be achieved by the pursuit of knowledge alone. It comes from the lessons of trial and error coupled with determination, persistence and commitment. This idea can best be illustrated in the famous words of Thomas Edison when he said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Wisdom is a never-ending cycle of blending knowledge with life experience and lessons learned that are not soon forgotten. Ultimately, these things are the tools and materials we use to build our futures.


Before I came into this program I was going from job to job, headed nowhere fast at that point I had begun to lose faith in myself. I thought I would always be stuck just another job. Then something extraordinary happened. I was given a second chance. A chance to do something that really makes a difference, and although it seemed overwhelming at times(or like an uphill battle), I had the help of everyone in the program offering guidence, advice, and encouragement. With that I learned that with persistance and effort all things are possible.


(So Now I Stand before you today a changed man capable of many great things)


In the past four months I've had a great time experiencing everything the environmental field has to offer. Ive made great friends met great mentors, and now I look forward to the challenges the future holds. I owe that to the people of this program, for giving me a second chance and for believing in each and everyone of us students, and going that extra mile not just to go over lessons but to teach, and to help us with what we didn't understand. You gave us the tools, confedance and courage to stand tall, with our heads held high and overcome any obstacles we may face. Both in the career field and in life...

Thank you