The Power of Potential
Written on: May 14, 2007
As a college president, spring is one of my favorite times of year, because it is a time of celebration as students complete their course work, take their final exams and prepare for graduation. On May 11 and 12, 2007, Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC) held its annual Commencement ceremonies, where more than 700 students achieved their potential and embarked on the next phase of their lives.
Each year, LFCC instructs over 7,600 unduplicated credit students, preparing them for a wide variety of professions that serve the community and meet the workforce needs of local businesses. As these students graduate, they enter the workforce as accountants, administrative assistants, dental hygienists, electricians, industrial maintenance mechanics, information technology professionals, interior designers and nurses or transfer to four-year institutions to become business administrators, engineers, lawyers, physical therapists and teachers.
The power of potential lies in all LFCC students. It is the College's mission to help students unleash that potential and accomplish their dreams. Mary is just one example of such a student. She graduated from high school in 1981, got married, started a family and opened a home daycare business. Over 20 years later, she now cleans houses and says she is done making excuses as to why she should not go to college. Her new goal in life is to become a registered nurse so that she can help care for others.
Ryan is another example of a student who wants to help others. He received a scholarship to play college baseball. However, his dreams were soon dashed when he injured his arm. Now he has a new dream. He is attending LFCC and plans to transfer to George Mason University to complete a degree in physical therapy. Because of his experience, he wants to assist other young adults whose lives are changed by a physical injury.
LFCC excels at changing lives and opening doors to new opportunities. As a community, your support and encouragement are vital to helping LFCC accomplish its mission. When you meet LFCC graduates, please congratulate them on their accomplishments, and when you meet LFCC students, please encourage them as they work toward reaching their goals. Thank you.
John J. "Ski" Sygielski
President
Lord Fairfax Community College
