Dear Winter 2021 graduates,

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your Year Up journey. This year has been a challenging one yet you were able to persevere and push through. Many of you have met many professional and personal benchmarks, and I am very proud of how far you have come in just a short year. Today, we are here as staff, family, faculty, community partners, and business partners to celebrate you and your success.

I remember meeting you in May of 2020. I clearly remember seeing the passion, grit, and overall motivation from day one – and those many qualities helped you persevere to be here today. You started this program and within a few weeks you went completely virtual and adapted to this new “norm”. Some of you lost your jobs, lost loved ones, had to care for family members. All the while going to school full time, working at a full-time internship, and completing Year Up deliverables. That passion, grit, and motivation shined through every step of the way and that is something I admire about your class. Graduating from Year Up is an important milestone as you enter your professional careers and embark on this next chapter in your lives. Now, as you graduate, you will continue to set and reach more goals.

We are confident that with your Year Up, Miami Dade College, and internship experience, you have the necessary tools to continue to grow and be successful. Remember to continue to leave paths for those to come after you and Lift as you Climb. Never forget: Once Year Up, Always Year Up!

Regards, 

Lucia Angeles
Program Director