WGU Graduate Speaker, Carlisha Moore, Winter 2012

<p>Carlisha Moore earned her Bachelor of Science, Business Management degree. On February 11, 2012 Moore was a graduate speaker at the Winter 2012 WGU Commencement. This WGU Commencement took place at Philips Arena in Atlanta Georgia.</p> <p>Transcription of video:</p> <p>Good morning and congratulations. I can honestly say, like I'm sure many of you can, Western Governors University is the best thing that has happened to my education. I thank God for allowing me to be here, and for putting WGU in my life. In July of 2010, I was positive that I would never receive my bachelor's. I looked into different trades, tried to find ways to sell myself to jobs with the few college credits and a high school diploma, but I knew a college degree was what I was missing in my life. There are many goals that I have in my life that start with getting a college degree. Without it, I was just living and dreaming.</p> <p>On October 15th of 2011, Western Governors University allowed me to see the reality of my dreams. My capstone passed, and I don't know about you, but if you're anything like me, the level of emotion was overwhelming. I cried, I screamed, but most importantly I started living my life. I can be an example for my daughters. I'm living a life full of education and fulfilled goals in front of them. They can see that through all adversity and struggles I still stand here today speaking in front of thousands of people as a college graduate.</p> <p>Within the past four years, I have become a wife to a wonderful husband, a mother to two beautiful girls, and a full-time career woman. It was a big change from living in a college dorm in the middle of Miami, Florida with little responsibilities. There have been many nights I have called my parents crying saying I did not know how I was going to do it. I could not make it in the career field without a degree, and as a result I felt that I could not support my children. I was ashamed of all of my shortcomings and needed a school that understood that I am educated, I have put in the work, I just needed to finish what I started.</p> <p>When my mentor, Anita Grady, and I first spoke, she was telling me about the other students who accelerated through the program. At the time, I thought she was just trying to sell the school to me, but I quickly learned that Western Governors University does not have to be sold through gimmicks. The school and education sells itself. I have learned more in the past year and a half than I have in my entire college career. I was able to accelerate through things I was familiar with and work at a slower pace on things that I struggled on.</p> <p>I was told to take my program just one step at a time and that worked for me; I worried about one problem at a time. I didn't put pressure on my future and I did not punish myself for my past mistakes or failures. I lived in the now and because of that I graduated and I am happy to be living in my now because it's the now that I can be proud of.</p> <p>I thank my husband and my daughters who took me out to celebrate each passed test. My parents who instilled education and the importance of goals in me at an early age. My extended family, so many of them encouraged me as we look forward to this day. I thank one of my fellow students, Barbara Nichols, for helping to push me. I thank my mentor, Anita Grady who always encourage me to stick with my goals. Sometimes I would call and say, "Anita, I'm going to finish these three classes by the end of the month." She never said that I couldn't do it. I thank all the staff here at Western Governors University. I will forever be your biggest spokesperson. The number of friends I have referred to WGU demonstrates that.</p> <p>In the words of George Washington Carver, "When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world." Western Governors University and its graduates are slowly but surely commanding the attention of the world, because although its learning technique is uncommon, we are achieving the common and more. I would like to encourage each of you to take all your future endeavors one step at a time. Hug your family and friends for allowing you to take this time from them to accomplish such a feat and living your now. Congratulations. I hope you're as happy and proud as I am today. I'm on my way to my Master's.</p> <p>[Applause]</p>