Student Representative Address: Jennifer Grant

I give honor to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Whom I live move and have my being and without Whom I am nothing.

President and Mrs. Nunes, Deans, faculty, staff, parents, family, well-wishers, fellow graduates. Welcome!  It is indeed an honor to address my fellow graduates.

My name is Jennifer Grant. I came as a transfer to Concordia from The College of New Rochelle which recently closed.  I chose Concordia rather than going to the college that took all the CNR students, and I honestly have no regrets. I will be pursuing my dream career as an educator and once again, I have chosen Concordia for my studies.

Some of the great advantages that I experienced as an Adult Education student at Concordia include the convenience of schedules and the duration of courses which provided the excellent flexibility to facilitate studying, working, and the everyday demands of life. The faculty is accessible, knowledgeable, and very supportive. I highly recommend Concordia. I will advise anyone who has the desire to further your education to call or come in and speak with someone in the Admissions Office. Actually, tell them I sent you.

During my time at Concordia, I forged some really great relationships which I know will continue after graduation. One never leaves out of Prof. Geoffrey Anderson’s lectures without hearing the quote “You are enough” and we have learnt along this journey that we are indeed enough. To our professors, thank you. Thank you is such an understatement to say to our family and friends who have supported and encouraged us along the way. We will be forever indebted to you as we could not have made it without you.

Fellow graduates of December 2020, the world is our oyster. When anyone hears the word oyster they immediately think of pearls. Nevertheless, the agony that the oyster goes through in order for that pearl to be produced is often forgotten. Our irritant turned out to be COVID-19 which had us switching to virtual seminars, social distancing, and wearing masks. However, that did not diminish our camaraderie and the support we offered each other. In fact, our flames shone brighter, and we were propelled to work harder. Just remember, no matter what comes our way we have studied, we are equipped, and we can achieve the goals we have set. Someone said, “when preparation meets opportunity then destiny is accomplished”. It will not always be smooth sailing, but if we keep focused, be tenacious to persevere we will succeed. Deuteronomy 8: 18b (CSB) but remember that the Lord your God gives you the power to gain wealth. The Lord has created within us the ability to get wealth. This wealth goes beyond material goods and monetary gain, it includes wealth of knowledge, wealth of understanding, and wealth in the human relationships that sustain us. If you are unsure what your abilities, giftings, and talents are, ask Him, and then obey as He speaks to you. May the Lord continue to shine upon you, bless and keep you and present you faultless before His Father’s throne. Congratulations!! We made it! We worked hard! Nothing can stop us but ourselves! Let us go forth and conquer pursuing lives of passion, purpose, and service!