Some Thoughts Cheryl McIntyre's Valedictory Speech

    This is one of the many warm experiences I have enjoyed since being selected to participate in the job re-entry program; it certainly will be a long-remembered one. All of you graduating today, I have grown very fond of and I feel that choosing me for this honor today is a return of the affection. I want to thank you for it.

    Being selected as a participant in the job re-entry program has made me realize that you can do what you set your mind to. I firmly believed, when I set my mind to becoming involved in the work force again, that I would accomplish my goal. When so many people were interested in this program at the first meeting, I was determined I would be one of those selected, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the women behind CCLOW: Director, Joan McFarland, Bonnie Wood, coordinator, Maureen McGee, Terry Stewart, and Debra Ladd, for giving us this chance to re-enter the labor force - you are doing a tremendous job helping women such as us and I strongly feel you will be a benefit to a lot more.

     In preparing our group at the community college, Ruth Holmes and Lori Violette have become dear friends to us. They have made us feel so relaxed there, it was hard to tell who were the pupils and who were teachers. Ruth could make us laugh when she did her little jig while relating something funny at home. While preparing us for the work skills, Ruth had many speakers available to us such as: Marilyn Farrell, Stationary Engineer, Joan Blackier, C.U.P.E. representative, and Peggy Blackmore, policewoman. These ladies all represent women in non-traditional roles and they have shown us that we, as women, can achieve any goal we set our minds to. Lori, in teaching life skills, has built up confidence in us that lay dormant for years. She challenged us to keep a positive attitude and to be affirmative, always.

    To my classmates, I would like you to know that your friendship has been very dear to me. I feel there is a special bond between each of us now. Our employers have also been helpful because without their willingness to train us and give us the chance to prove ourselves in the labor force we wouldn't be here today in all our glory.

    There are so many people here who deserve thanks. Most of us are mothers so I would like to express our thanks to the children who have had to watch your mom change in the last 20 weeks. You have understood when Mom couldn't be there for you every minute of the day. Without that support from you she would have probably quit and that would have been an injustice to her. For that I would like to thank you.

    As my speech comes to a close, there is one other person who deserves thanks and praise - our coordinator, Bonnie Wood. Bonnie, without your constant guidance and encouragement, we couldn't have done this. You have given us strength, energy, support and devotion. Such attributes are greatly appreciated.