Commentary

Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the majority of the editorial board. All other material represents the opinion of the authors. Deadline for submissions is the 10th of every month.

The Metropolitan retains the right to edit all submissions for length, grammar and punctuation. Letters without a signature will not be printed. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of any department or college, the university, the state university system, the student body, or The Metropolitan.

Letter to the Editor:
What this year’s commencement means to me

Dear Editor:

The 2006 commencement symbolizes a significant achievement in my life. For three years I never lost sight of my goal to obtain a bachelor’s degree—I did it.

Commencement is the time for me to earn my purple heart for persevering through a tough battle. I view the commencements of Metropolitan State University to mean so much more to our graduates because we are a nontraditional school where the average age is 33 years old.

I deem the commencement to be a time to say goodbye to all of the people that helped me. There are numerous people that contributed to the completion of my degree, but I couldn’t possibly name everyone individually.

I want to thank the Anti-Racism Leadership Team for giving me the opportunity to assist in the effort to dismantle institutional racism. I want to thank Student Affairs for all of their effort in making Metropolitan State a welcoming environment for people from all walks of life. I would like to thank TRIO/Student Support Services for their support from beginning to end.

I would also like to thank the Editorial Board of The Metropolitan for allowing me the privilege to sit on the board and view articles that may cause controversy before they were printed. I am honored to be a member of the Editorial Board because they truly worked hard this year to rectify a horrendous situation.

Last but not least, I want to thank the African-American Student Association (AASA) for being my backbone. From our advisor down to our officers, and through to our members and alumni, thanks for believing in me through all of my trials and tribulations. The AASA gave me a voice (and I made a lot of noise with that voice), and it’s going to be hard to step down.

This year’s commencement has a dark side as well; it isn’t as glorious as I have made it sound. I will have to walk away from so many people that have helped me become the man that I am.

My hat goes off to [President Wilson] Bradshaw, Esther [Peralez] and Rosa Rodriguez. There is not enough room on this page to exemplify what you go through. I appreciate your support throughout the years and someday I hope to make an impact on your lives the same way you have impacted mine.

Commencement 2006 means that I have more validity when I speak. It shows that I have excelled in academics. I have proven that I can set my eyes on something and grab it.

This commencement symbolizes a victory for many underdogs, including myself. It’s hard to believe that I have only begun.

Farewell Metropolitan State — it’s been a hell of a ride.

Sincerely,
Jason Marque Sole