I had the opportunity to speak to 25 students that had completed the requirements for the Job Training Program sponsored by Guilford County Welfare Reform Liason Project. The students I met here came from all walks of life, and their life had experienced some definate hardships. Listening to their stories, I am proud of their ability to turn their circumstance into triumph.

The students in this program were certified in HVAC levels I, II, and III, Construction Skills, Forklift Training, OSHA Training and Computer Skills. This is a tremendous amount of work in two years, and I salute the graduates on a job well done. 

In my remarks to the graudates, I wanted to let them know that "Your Reality is not Your Destiny". That no matter what your circumstance that God still has a plan for your life. That I too had all sorts of realities that create obstacles in my life, but I refuse to let it become my destiny.

Let's hope we can work to create a community that is in too giving second and third chances for these individuals, and many more who find themselves in similar situations. Join me in saluting the 2010 graduating class of the Jobs Training Class.