AIC Ivy Oration 2002

American International College
Academic Awards and Class Night Program
April 30, 2002

“For each of you are luminaries. Now go forward as leaders in the firm belief that you are a guiding light casting not a shadow of darkness, but a glimmer of hope lighting the path for others to follow.”

Ladies and gentlemen, President Courniotes, distinguished members of faculty and administration, fellow classmates, family, friends, and well-wishers,

Good evening and welcome to the Academic Awards and Class Night Program.

I am Jessel Brizan, the son of Grace and Vernon Brizan, and an international student from Trinidad and Tobago.

Before I proceed, I would like to draw your attention to the seal that hangs above and behind me – the Official Seal of American International College. More so, I would like to draw your attention to the Latin phrase at the bottom, which represents our motto: Post Tenebras Lux, meaning “After Darkness Light,” which “together with the shaded square in the centre of the Seal and the alternating dark and light stripes, symbolizes the entrance of the student into a bright new world through education.” I would like you to remember these three little words because they embody the reason for our gathering here tonight.

It would be remiss to not mention the recent events that have in some way directly or indirectly impacted our lives. The past academic year was marked with great tragedy, and our deepest regards go out to the families of those who are no longer with us. But most notably, the tragedy of September 11 has left an indelible impression on our minds, the nation and the world. And though it may cast a dismal shadow on the face of the earth from the wraith of smoke has risen a spirit united in the common good of humanity.

As Ivy Orator, I stand here before you in humble honour. I am honoured not only because I was elected by my peers to speak on their behalf. As a full-time, non-traditional, international student, I have often struggled with my sense of belonging. And though I find some solace in individualism, I am also honoured to be associated with AIC and the group of students assembled here tonight.

It has always been a major goal to further my education in the United States. Frustrated with the stagnancy of the banking profession back home, I undertook an extensive application campaign in pursuit of my dream. After several unfulfilled commitments, I sunk into an abyss of depression and disillusionment with the reality of a “dream deferred.”

I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and decided to return to the U.S. I found new light through a friend attending college on a soccer scholarship who arranged a try-out with the head coach. I signed a letter of acceptance to attend college in Fall 1998, which brings me to my present place of being. For this I am greatly indebted to my friend Gary Gamaldo and my coach Fred Balbino who opened the door to enlightenment.

Being away from home and family for four years, I have struggled financially, emotionally, mentally, and physically in procurement of my dream. But I am stronger for it now. Because it is when we persevere through adversity that we wax in strength.

In retrospect, AIC has been my home, my family, … my light for the past four years. AIC has been my entrance into a brand new world of opportunity. AIC has helped mould me into the individual you see before you tonight. And for this I am eternally grateful – to the administration, my professors, my colleagues, and all those who have helped me on my journey of self-discovery. Thank you being a part of my life.

But tonight is not about me. As I look out among this assembly, I see a diverse group of individuals encompassing various disciplines. But transcending race, culture or colour, tonight we are united in the spirit of excellence.

Tonight you are being recognized for all your hard work, dedication and commitment. You have etched your name in the tradition of excellence at American International College. You have attained a high standard of achievement, and you should be proud and revel in your success. But it is important that you remain grounded in reality because now you are faced with the task of living up to those standards.

To the underclassmen:

You have embarked on your journey of self-discovery. And along the way you will find that the path to success is rife with hardship. Along the way you will find yourself in dark places. You will encounter forces of opposition that try to lead you away from the path to enlightenment. Be true to yourself. Hold true to your ideals and stand firm in your beliefs for they are what brought you this far. You have control over the choices you make in life, but you don’t have control over the consequences. And what you choose to do in the now will precipitate the outcome of what will become your future reality.

Remember, college is not all about academic pursuits. It is also about maturation and waxing in experience and wisdom. And as you go through the rigours of college curricula it may seem that you are being exploited for your time and energy. But there is retribution. Behind me in the minds and bodies of these distinguished individuals lies a wealth of knowledge and experience. Exploit them for their wisdom.

To the class of 2002:

We are nearing the end of a chapter in our book of life that has taken four years, or more, to write. And during that time, we have sometimes yearned for an end to our seemingly prolonged residence. But it is when we approach the gateway of departure that a feeling akin to sadness fills our hearts as we say farewell to a place that has helped nurture us; a place that in some way or another has been home for the past four years.

But this is not the end but rather the continuation of a journey that will yield new beginnings, new opportunities and new experiences. And as you continue on your journey of self-discovery, in the words of Iyanla Vanzant, “bloom where you are.”

So, I stand here before you in humble honour and plant this ivy as a symbol of success, and our ascension from the darkness of ignorance into the tree of enlightenment deeply rooted in the tradition of excellence at American International College.

In closing, I would like to borrow from the Book of Genesis:

In the beginning God created knowledge and American International College.
And the College was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of its halls. And the spirit of excellence moved upon the faces of the faculty and administration.
And God said, Let there be light: and there were AIC students.
And God saw these students, that they were good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

For each of you are luminaries. Now go forward as leaders in the firm belief that you are a guiding light casting not a shadow of darkness, but a glimmer of hope lighting the path for others to follow.

“POST TENEBRAS LUX.”

Thank you.