Addressing his fellow graduates at East Central Community College’s 81st Commencement held Saturday, May 8, 2010, at the Neshoba County Coliseum in Philadelphia, Jordan Gunn of Forest challenged his peers “to refrain from settling….never take the easy way out.”
Gunn, an ECCC Hall of Fame member who received a scholarship to continue his education at Mississippi College in Clinton, said the most “effortless” thing in the world is “quitting.”
“It seems that when most people begin college they have extremely high goals and aspirations,” said the Lake High School product. “But as they continue their education, their goals dwindle and fade with time. Hopelessness, difficulty, and fatigue may discourage and persuade you to stop pursuing your dreams. I’ve heard about countless occasions when individuals allowed their dreams to be substituted by unwanted lifestyles and occupations. I encourage you to prevent this from happening in your future.”
To further illustrate his point, Gunn quoted poet Henry David Thoreau, who wrote: “Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”
Jordan said one can deduce from the Thoreau’s quote “that diligence and perseverance are key ingredients in the recipe for success.”
“The paths you choose in life are not to be easy; therefore, I encourage to never settle,” Gunn reiterated. “When working to achieve your goals, be diligent and strive to make accomplishments above and beyond the required minimum.”
Referring to his own college education, Gunn said attending East Central Community College “was one of the best decisions that I have ever made.”
“I just didn’t enroll myself into a school that allowed me to receive an affordable education,” Gunn commented. “I became part of a place that allowed me to undergo wonderful experiences that I will remember the rest of my life.”
Gunn mentioned attending worship services and other activities at the Baptist Student Union, the study groups formed the night before physics exams, the various sporting events, musicals and other campus events activities as well as “those late-night trips to Subway” as memorable experiences.
He also noted his involvement in various campus organizations, including Warrior Corps, Phi Theta Kappa and the new Astronomy Club.
“All of these aspects of East Central are wonderful and worthy of being remembered,” he said. “However, the greatest memory I will have as a Warrior is of the people.”
Gunn continued: “The experiences that we have are enhanced by the people we share them with. East Central has allowed me to become part of a unique family; a family that is being acknowledged today as the graduating class of 2010. As a family, we have endeavored to achieve academic excellence, aspired to discover our futuristic paths, taken up innumerable responsibilities, submerged ourselves in extra-curricular activities and befriended people who we will never forget. Now, as a family having reached the pinnacle of our Warrior experience, we will graduate together.”
Gunn, prior to his closing remarks, recited Mary Stevenson’s “Footprints in the Sand,” a poem about trusting in the Lord as one walks though life’s journeys.
He also provided his “prescription” for success:
“There will be times in your lives when you experience hardships, depression and defeat. There will be instances where you feel like the world is against you. No matter what your state of mind or situation, God is always there for you, and He will carry you through the storms of life. The only way you can truly be successful is to allow God to direct you and be the center of all your decisions. Exalt God above all else and never settle.”
In addition to Gunn, other graduating sophomores participating in the commencement program were Austin Crouther of Decatur, invocation; Hannah Lee of Philadelphia, benediction; and vocalist Drew Harrison of Little Rock, who performed, “You Raise Me Up” by Lovland.
Diplomas were presented to approximately 450 graduates by Dr. Lavinia Sparkman, vice president for instruction, in the absence of ECCC President Dr. Phil A. Sutphin.