“One thing about Orlandus is that every day he showed up early, every day committed, every day focused on what he was doing. That is what this is all about.

I know that you did really well on the EPA—so well that I even erased some of your answers and put some wrong ones because I didn’t want a perfect score. I didn’t do that, I promise.

I appreciate the hard work and the dedication that you showed. It was very obvious. You were very focused, and you were here for a reason—and that reason is to better yourself. I like that. I appreciate that.

I would like for you to come up and accept this and also say a couple of words about whatever you would like to talk about.”

“The video that he just talked about will also be up here so you can see that and you can share that, which is always a wonderful thing.

But congratulations—you did a fantastic job, and I appreciate it.

The next person we’re going to watch a video of—my first opinion was, are you sure you want to do this? Only because of the educational level that this individual was at and the workload. I mean, you’re doing the right move.

But let’s take a look at his video real quick.”

“Okay, so hello. My name’s Ares. Thank you for this.

I did want to say thank you to Danny, Andrew, Rob, and of course, if you can let Chris know as well. He was a big help to me.

I just want to say thank you guys for pushing me. I never knew where I would be today. I did have a moment where I broke down in my car and didn’t really think I wanted to do this, but I’m still here. I decided to wipe a little bit of a tear and keep going.”

“So happy. With little words, you said a great amount. Thank you.

And that’s what it’s all about. If you want to speak in Spanish, that’s okay. You can do that.

Is there anybody? Papa? Anybody?

Okay, with that said, what we’re going to do is we are going to eat.”

“One thing about Orlandus is that every day he showed up early, every day committed, every day focused on what he was doing. That is what this is all about.

I know that you did really well on the EPA—so well that I even erased some of your answers and put some wrong ones because I didn’t want a perfect score. I didn’t do that, I promise.

I appreciate the hard work and the dedication that you showed. It was very obvious. You were very focused, and you were here for a reason—and that reason is to better yourself. I like that. I appreciate that.

I would like for you to come up and accept this and also say a couple of words about whatever you would like to talk about.”

“Thank you for this whole program. It allowed me to gain another understanding of what I want to do in my life.

I did go to school for aerospace engineering, but it is a difficult field to get into. I figured that a trade would be a good secondary career to go into, and HVAC was definitely a good choice—especially coming here and learning from all of you.

Thank you. I think that’s everything I want to say.”

You and your family, where did they live in the Tampa area, right? Did you drive here every morning? Or did you… Okay, but it was difficult being away from your family, not only the language barrier but being away from them as well. That’s a struggle, and it’s an accomplishment that cannot go unrecognized. You did a fantastic job, and I’m so proud that you’re going to be going to Houston. Not my favorite city, but the food is delicious.

The traffic—I don’t want to scare you about the traffic… But, yeah. I went to school there, so I know the city. You’re going to love it. It’s a great place to be, as long as it’s in the suburbs, not inside the city. Don’t go there.

Anyway, everybody did such a fantastic job. Our program, in my opinion, and I’m sure Robert and everybody would agree, is a success because you’re a success. That’s how we measure what we do and why we do it. We don’t have to do this—we do this because I want you to succeed.

So, what I typically do… I know this is a fairly quick speech because I’m getting hungry… Is I want to ask if Elaine would like to say anything?”

“

“Obviously, there’s a little bit of a language barrier, but you had me worried in the very beginning. I’m not worried now. You know your stuff. It’s just about being able to explain it to Mrs. Smith, and that’s going to take a little time and practice. But the most important thing is you know your stuff, and you showed it. You just weren’t able to express it quite the way that I wanted, but it will be there. It will be there. I have no doubt. You’re very committed, and I appreciate you being part of this journey with us. Thank you very much.”

“

“Yes, I would like to say thank you to teacher Robert and teacher Andrew. In my country, we respect teachers, so I call them teacher Robert and teacher Andrew.

I had difficulty with my English because I have only lived in the USA for two years, but now I feel very good in the HVAC field. I am amazed that in just six weeks—actually seven weeks—I now know how to fix, troubleshoot, and diagnose issues with a system.

After I graduate, I will go to Houston to work with my friend because he has his own business there.

Thank you so much.”

“You and your family, where did they live in the Tampa area, right? Did you drive here every morning, or did you… okay, but it was difficult being away from your family. Not only the language barrier, but being away from them as well. That’s a struggle, and it’s an accomplishment that cannot go unrecognized. You did a fantastic job, and I’m so proud that you’re going to be going to Houston. Not my favorite city, but the food is delicious.

The traffic… I don’t want to scare you about the traffic… but yeah. I went to school there, so I know the city. You’re going to love it. It’s a great place to be, as long as it’s in the suburbs, not inside the city. Don’t go there.

Anyway, everybody did such a fantastic job. Our program, in my opinion, and I’m sure Robert and everybody would agree, is a success because you’re a success. That’s how we measure what we do and why we do it. We don’t have to do this—we do this because I want you to succeed.

So, what I typically do… I know this is a fairly quick speech because I’m getting hungry… is I want to ask if Elaine would like to say anything?”