Principal’s Speech: Prof. María Teresa Freyre de Escobar

Principal’s Speech: Prof. María Teresa Freyre de Escobar
School year 2008-2009

“CLASS OF 2009”
Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

Good Morning Board of Directors, PTA members, faculty, parents and families, distinguished guests and above all, you, the graduating class of 2009.
I am honored to be part of this significant occasion and to share with you in this celebration of your graduation. To the class of 2009, we are all very proud of you!

As I stand here and look at all of you I realize how much you have grown up. In 1996, I first came to Colegio Jefferson, Thanks to my dear friend, Ms. Eleonora, as a
substitute teacher in your prekinder classroom, you were four. Never could I have imagined then that I would be delivering your graduation speech and that my daughter,
Tetesa, would be part of this remarkable class.

As a proud parent, I can imagine what other parents are feeling right now, a mixture of emotions, saddness and happiness, your little boy or girl is somewhat grown up.
I can see that there is evidence of pure pride- pride in your child today. I would also like to congratulate you and acknowledge your dedication for you have walked right
beside them when they needed your guidance and comfort, at times in the back, giving them that extra push when you saw they were lagging behind and in the front
leading the way, that after all got them to today’s celebration. Graduates, never forget all you owe them for their love and support over the years. Express your gratitude to them.

Class of 2009, You are our hope. So cherish this time in your life. Remember who you are. Because right now, you have it all: The gift of your imagination, the velocity of your
dreams, the language of innoncence, and the passion of a beginner. Don’t lose it. Don’t let it evaporate or wear away. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “If you can imagine it,
you can achieve it: if you can dream it, you can become it.

Today you are setting off on your next adventure. You are beginning, and what makes beginnings so thrilling is the unknown. Be guided by your passions. You have the
foundation of your family. You have the strength of your community. And you have the power of your education. All of them are limitless, as are the heights you will reach
in the days and years ahead.

Thus far you have showed all of us what your capable of. This year we had more seniors applying abroad than ever before and the good new is, that they were all accepted. 
They are:
Nina Gerov: Purdue Univ., Northeastern Univ., University of Miami

Francisco Diazgranados: Northeastern Univ., Univ. Of Miami,

Jonathan Matalon: Suffolk Univ., Northeastern Univ.

Alberto Kurten: Northeastern Univ.

Daniel Bernardez: Florida Institute of Technology, Michigan State Univ.

Carlos Gonzalez: Florida Institute of Technology, Windsor Univ. in Canada, Kalamazoo College, University of British Columbia

Jorge Torres: Michigan State University, Bryant University,Warberg College, Univesity of Evansville, University of British Columbia, Bryant University

Paola Ortiz: Babson College, Boston University, University of Maryland, Georgetown Univ

Mariana D’Apuzzo: Univ. Of Michigan, Georgia Tech

Alfredo Moros: Windsor Univ. in Canada, University of Toronto, Univ. of British Columbia, Univ. of Minnesota, Univ. of New Mexico, Jacobs Univ., Brock University,
York University,

Alberto Tovar: Arizona State Univ., St. Edwards Univ., Menlo College, American Universtiy, Curry College

Javier Arribas: University of Tampa, University of North Carolina, University of Miami

Carlos Enrique White: Univ. of Michigan, Emory University, Carnegie Melon Univ, University of Notre Dame

Isabella Perales: American University, Penn State University, George Washington University, Johns Hopkins University

Isabel Penzini: American University, Boston University, University of Pennsylvania, New York University, Emerson College

Rebecca Lugo: Ontario College of Arts and Design, Savannah College of Arts and Design, University of Toronto, Emily Carr College, York University

Fernando Paredes: Boston University, Bentley University, Babson college

Enric Die Girbau: University of Miami, California Polytechnic University

Gustavo Gonzalez: York University, University of British Columbia

Alessandra Nuñez: Emory University

Elias Coriat: University of Monaco

Daniela Vicentini: University of Miami

Now before you go off there is some advice I would like to give to you. Through my many readings I came across in Investor’s Business Daily what
10 traits successful men and women in all walks of life have that when combined can turn dreams into reality. I would like to share these with you in
the hope that you remember a few. Here are the traits:

1) How you think is everything. Always be positive. Think success not failure. Be aware of negative environments.

2) Decide upon your dreams and goals. Write down your specific goals and develop a plan to reach them. Make sure the goals are inspiring.

3) Take action. Goals are nothing without action. Don’t be afraid to get started—just do it!

4) Never stop learning. Read books, get training, be curious and take classes. To stop learning is to stop growing.

5) Be persistent and work hard. Success is a marathon—not a sprint. Never give up!

6) Learn to analyze details. Get all the facts and input. Use it to make decisions. Learn from your mistakes.

7) Focus your time and money. Don’t let other people or things distract you. Work from your own agenda.

8) Don’t be afraid to innovate. Be different. Following the herd is a sure way to mediocrity.

9) Deal and communicate with people effectively. No person is an island. Learn to understand and motivate others.

10) Be honest and dependable; take responsibility. Maintain your character and Trustworthiness. Otherwise, numbers 1-9 won’t matter.

Graduates, I hope you take fond memories with you and remember the faculty and staff that have encouraged you, sharpened your minds and strenghtened
your character and your friends who gave you support, understanding and forgiveness when you least expected.
So go out and promote the vision and reality of a life worth living, of a humanity worth celebrating. May the future be as exciting and fulilling as you have always
dreamt filled with abundance of accomplishments. Keep in touch and tell us of your doings. We’d love to know that we were right when we said you were special
students. Congratulations on getting here!

May God Bless you in all that you do.