Good evening teachers and students and guests. Let me start by saying that my childhood was not easy, especially when my parents spoke only Spanish. I was lucky that I came from Puerto Rico when I was three years old. When I attended school I had a hard time in all my subjects, and I didn’t get the help that I needed. I also had to attend speech therapy. In 1977 when I was in the 10^th grade I decided to join the army and get a G.E.D while I was there.  When I came back from the service I only came back with an honorable discharge and no G.E.D.  I found low paying jobs. It was tough living in New York City. It was very important for me to get a GED, but I didn’t have time because of my job. But now I have plenty of time because of an injury to my arm. I am very grateful to the teachers for their time and dedication. If not for them I probably would not have come this far.

Jose A. Pabon