I had the privilege of personally mentoring Mrs. Torres-Gearity through challenging times, and witnessing her growth and success is truly heartwarming. Her perseverance, academic capacity, and remarkable teaching skills make her an outstanding representative of our program and the wider #TouroGSE community.
I wanted to personally share this wonderful news with you as it highlights the incredible accomplishments of our students and the positive impact our Touro University programs can have on their lives. Mrs. Torres’ achievements remind us of the significance of education and the profound influence teachers can have on their students. I truly believe in the power of “Teaching as an Act of Love.”
As a professor, it fills me with immense pride to witness the fruits of my teaching when I see my students excel. Not only was she awarded the esteemed Dr. Ximena E. Zate Bilingual Teacher of the Year Award in 2020, but she has also achieved another remarkable feat – a successful commencement address during graduation in front of a full house.
As I celebrate the achievements of our graduates, I acknowledge the significance of a remarkable commencement address and the courage it took to step in front of her peers as a collective representative.
Teaching empowers me to be an example to others demonstrating that we all have the potential to make our dreams come true. Teaching means to see children succeed, parents proud, and families provided with tools they need to have a brighter future together, teaching means the world to me.
Antonia Torres-Gearity, Touro UniversityCommencement Speaker 2023
Antonia Torres-Gearity, Touro University Commencement Speaker 2023
Commencement Speach 2023 by TESOL/Bilingual Program Completer Antonia Torres-Gearity Distinguished guests, esteemed President Kadish, respected faculty and administration members, dear family, friends, and fellow graduates, As we gather here to commemorate this milestone, I want to express how Touro has not only transformed my life, but it has also become an integral part of my family. Just as your families are special and unique to you, Touro holds a special place in our hearts. Many of us hail from humble backgrounds, with parents who made countless sacrifices to provide us with a better life and the education they themselves couldn't have. Thanks to their unwavering support, I stand here today as the youngest, and the first in my family to earn a master’s degree. But I am determined not to be the last. My parents and siblings have been my guiding lights, teaching me that mistakes are stepping stones to learning and growth. When I came to this country at the age of 16, learning a second language was a tough journey. I was discouraged from continuing my education due to the challenges I faced. However, I had that one special high school teacher who made an immense impact on my life. Her passion for education and her role as my mentor inspired me to persevere. I vividly recall one evening struggling with a college textbook, attempting to pronounce words that seemed impossible to master. Exhausted, I decided to read it to my daughter, hoping she would fall asleep quickly so I could review for a midterm. Frustration grew as I encountered a word I couldn't pronounce, and my voice cracked in despair. It was at that moment my daughter turned to me with her innocent eyes and said, "Don't worry, mommy. It's okay. It's just that you are Mexican, but it is okay!" In that instant, I realized I had to accept myself fully and embrace my identity. Coming to this country at 16 had made me overly conscious of my accent, insecure about my intelligence, and afraid to ask for help. Yet, it takes someone special to show us what we have within ourselves. Returning to Touro to pursue my TESOL certification, I encountered my first class, "Linguistic Structure of the English Language." As a non-native English speaker, the title alone overwhelmed me. But Dr. Jasmin Cowin, my professor, instantly dispelled my fears. She made me believe in my potential to achieve anything. I will never forget her firm voice as she told me, "Don't tell me you can't do it." In that moment, I knew that if she had faith in me, I could accomplish anything. Dr. Cowin treated me like family and made me feel like I truly belonged. I would like to give a big shout-out and heartfelt gratitude to all the faculty and staff at Touro for their solid dedication and guidance through each step of our academic journey. Throughout our educational pursuit, we encountered obstacles that tested our resolve and moments of self-doubt. But with the support of Touro University, our loved ones, mentors, and belief in ourselves, we persevered. Today, we stand as stronger, more resilient individuals, equipped with knowledge and skills to make a difference in our chosen fields. With this education comes a responsibility to use our knowledge for the betterment of society, to create positive change, and contribute to the advancement of humanity. May we continue to carry the torch of knowledge, ignited by love, as we stride in to a future abundant with hope, understanding, and compassion. May your individual journeys be filled with success, fulfillment, and the enduring joy that comes from sharing love through the art of teaching. Congratulations Graduates! Thank you and Godspeed!
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