Lloyd Shisler
Staff Writer

In February, a veteran’s event was held in celebration of black history month. This event included a resource fair, which consisted of three African Americans who would share their stories and their dreams. This event was nothing short of an eye opening and heart-warming experience. The three speakers were, Lawrence Coleman, Robert Britten, and Melonie Rasmussen.  Vickie bell, program coordinator of the veteran’s resource center, hosted this and introduces each speaker as they went to share their experience.

Coleman is a work source center representative. He was the first to speak. Coleman’s dream consisted of a continuum with a train that had several stops to failures and success. He went on to tell about how you should always stay on the right path, but you will always get off the path to eventually get back on it again.

Coleman had shared his personal experience and struggles in his life.  With these life experiences that he was trying to share had given him wisdom in his life. He went on to explain that when something tragic happens, there are only two ways to go, up or down.  As he fought to hold back the emotions from one of his stories, Coleman said he choose to go up and succeed.

Britten is the custodial manager for Pierce College. He was the second speaker to share his dream. Britten’s passion for life had poured out into the room and hearts of the spectators. His dream was for people to believe in themselves. Britten said, “When you do, you will reach your dreams.”

Britten went on to share his life experiences with such passion that it shook the room.  He talked about how “hot water” teaches you life lessons. Britten said, “If you think right and ask the right questions, you will get the right answers.” Britten had talked about taking others with you through your life. That life was not just a single journey of yourself, but also a journey of yourself and others.

Britten said, “Once you have a dream you believe in, don’t let circumstances dictate your outcome. Sometimes we give up just prior to a break through at what life throws at you. Success is not something you enjoy alone. You must take others with you.”

Rasmussen is a math teacher at Pierce College. She was the last speaker for this event. Rasmussen’s dream was, when life gets you down and you feel like all hope is lost and there is no were to go, just keep swimming. Dori, the blue fish from Finding Nemo makes a statement in the movie, “just keep swimming, just keep swimming.” Smiles filled the room due to the thought of the obscure personality of this character.

Rasmussen had talked about how she went from dream to dream. Her passion in life was to be a fighter pilot. She worked hard just for her dream to get knocked down. She never gave up. Rasmussen just kept on swimming.  Eventually she found herself at Pierce College teaching math. She had found something that she enjoyed in life. The ideas to just keep on swimming and keep on going. I will not let life get me down. This thought led to the unexpected career of teaching math.

With all the workings of life and emotions compiled into the speeches of these three speakers. it was enough to send tingles through your body and soul. To understand and relate to some of the stories helps remind you why you’re at school in the first place. No matter what your reason for joining college, take the advice to hold on and pursue your dreams.