Edwards encourages 809 FDTC graduates to continue writing their stories

Attorney Linward C. Edwards encouraged the Florence-Darlington Technical College 2024 graduating class to continue writing their stories during the college's Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 10.

“You are more than just the sum of your credit hours. You are the embodiment of curiosity, tenacity, grit, and the audacity to dream,” Edwards said. “Each of you has a unique story that you are the author of and that story will forever be evolving and changing and adjusting to life’s conditions.”

FDTC’s 2024 graduating class was one of its largest in recent history with more than 800 graduates. This year’s ceremony also included an additional 107 of its Corporate and Workforce students who completed their Certified Nursing Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician, and Pharmacy Technician certifications.

Edwards shared his personal story as a graduate of FDTC, his perseverance, and his want to see others like himself in the law profession. 

“There’s not much difference between you and me,” he said. “As I stated earlier, I didn’t have a clear vision when I sat where you sit right now. I know some of you are going to the workforce, some of you are continuing your education … just continue writing those stories.”

Edwards closed his speech by encouraging graduates to follow five principles: Keep faith in God; Have a vision; Reach out to mentors; Learn financial literacy; and Hard Work.

“You entered this arena tonight as students, but you will leave here as degree holders,” he said.

One of this year’s graduates, Ariel Myers, received her GED two years ago at age 28 and now she is an FDTC graduate.

“I’m inspired by my classmates who are in their upper 60s and 70s and they are pursuing their dreams,” she said. “So there's no age limit to pursue your dreams and goals in life.”

Myers’ next step will be pursuing a psychology degree at Coker University.

FDTC President Dr. Jermaine Ford had high praise for this year’s graduating class and spoke about students like Myers whose opportunities are endless from here.

“This ceremony was a historic moment for FDTC with one of the largest classes we’ve had,” Ford said. “This graduation equates to more dual enrollment high school students earning Associate degrees and certificates, more transfer students transferring to a 4-year university, and more students moving towards the workforce obtaining a family-sustaining wage and little to no debt.”

To learn more about FDTC and how you can part of the next graduation class visit fdtc.edu.