A degree of difficulty
After growing up
in war-ravaged Beirut, 44-year-old woman earns CSI diploma with 4.0
grade-point average
Staten Island Advance - June 3, 2005
Neither the dark clouds that filled the sky above her nor the chilly
breeze that swept through the air could put a damper on Sophia
Tamezian's day.
Growing up in war-torn Beirut with five brothers and sisters, she
never thought she would have the opportunity to earn a college
degree.
But yesterday her dream came true as she graduated from the College
of Staten Island with a 4.0 grade point average, with a major in
accounting and minors in economics and finance.
"I always wanted to continue my education, but as you know, in
Lebanon the war broke out, and it was so hard living there under
those circumstances," said the 44-year-old, who moved to Jordan in
an effort to escape the privation.
"No electricity, no water, danger everywhere, the bombings," she
noted.
"I never thought I'd be here," said Ms. Tamezian, after she
addressed thousands at the graduation on behalf of the Class of
2005.
During her speech, Ms. Tamezian stressed the importance of education
and family.
"Like you all, I did not make it alone," said Ms. Tamezian, who was
reared by a widowed mother and has been married for 15 years. "There
are no words to express the gratitude and thanks to the people who
have been there for me."
After working for the United Nations in Jordan and moving from
stenographer to liaison officer to various positions, Ms. Tamezian
said she knew she could not serve in an executive capacity because
she lacked formal education.
Going back to school was an easy decision, but going through with it
was a bit tougher.
"When I first came here, I was so scared, so many doubts," she said.
"Once I got here, everybody made it easier for me. Everyone was
helpful and assisting. They made me feel like this was my second
home."
Ms. Tamezian -- who plans to return to the United Nations' employ,
in a position yet to be determined -- ended her speech with words
she hoped her classmates would keep close to their hearts.
"As we go into the world, let us be ambassadors of education and
ambassadors of peace," she said.
By
Michelle Maskaly and Melissa Anelli
Reprinted here with permission from the
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