Thursday the 25th day of October, in the year of 2012 at precisely two O’clock in the afternoon I had the opportunity to attend the President’s Welcome Reception. This was my second year in a row attending, and the Seita Scholars fifth annual time having the event at Western Michigan University.
Walking up to the top floor of the Bernhard center I was filled with excitement. Last year I attended the event as a first year student with my fys (first year seminar) class. However this time around being a peer leader for the Seita program I took on an active role in the reception. I had the privilege of producing a speech to give in front of our entire fys student, other Seita scholars, our university president, staff, interns, volunteers, Donors and WMU partners within the Seita scholars program. My speech particularly focused in on expressing gratitude towards Dr. John Dunn (WMU University President). Previously to this year I was unaware of his involvement in the Seita Scholars program, and was honored to be able to have the opportunity to address him for his efforts. My speech went accordingly:
“Prior to attending Western I didn’t believe I had the resources necessary to attend a big university. This amazing program changed my life when I transferred last fall. I have so many people out here to be grateful for in regards to all that they do. However I would like to take this time to thank our very own university president Dr. John Dunn. This would all but be just a dream with out his support of moving forward with the program. The over all goal of our program aims at increasing opportunities for young people like my myself whom have aged out of foster care and have a desire to pursue a degree. Knowing that people such as Dr. Dunn & others alike truly care about providing support & promoting success within the Seita scholars program has enabled me to open so many doors and achieve so much that I once though was impossible.”
One of our campus coaches, Jamie did an amazing job putting on the program, and I would have to conclude that the overall event was defiantly a success. Thank you for everyone who came out and shared this special day with us!
I love being a Seita Scholar!
Over & Out -Tam
