Maurice Roberson
Former San Francisco Supervisor Harry Britt, Maurice’s academic advisor, was the keynote speaker. He spoke movingly about the strength of the learning community built by this year’s graduates. He remarked how they had supported and transformed not only each other but the New College faculty and staff as well. In the middle of his speech, Harry become visibly and audibly emotional and began speaking of a New College alumni in the audience who he felt was an extraordinary person. He described how this individual overcame many obstacles to complete his Bachelor’s degree and has dedicated his life to combating the systemic issues that lead to low level literacy. He was of course talking about our own Leon Veal. He spoke of Leon’s work with Project Read and in particular how Leon introduced Maurice to New College and provided ongoing support and guidance. Harry then spoke of what an exceptional person Maurice is and how proud he was to have been involved in Maurice’s ongoing personal growth and the journey toward his college degree.
We recently spoke with Maurice about this new chapter in his life. Maurice tells us that graduation was, "the proudest day of my life. I’ve been waiting for it for years. Knowing that I had achieved something that no one in my family ever did. I made my mark by staying focused and never giving up on my dream of completing college. To put on the cap and gown felt wonderful. I was recognized and seen amongst the other students as a normal human being for once instead of feeling unnormal - like you know that you are less than a person and won’t accomplish anything and will always be second best. I’m really happy to get to this point in life. It’s a feeling that no one can ever take away. That you worked hard all your life and you met your pot of gold. It was even better than I expected it to be - even better. I say work hard, never give up, dreams do come true, dreams are real."
Maurice with Harry Britt
On Harry Britt’s keynote speech: "I was touched by what Harry said. I was shocked, didn’t expect to be noticed and acknowledged by him and to hear that I touched him in many ways and that he considered me hardworking."
On what Harry said about Leon: "Leon is the bomb! Leon rocks. I was touched that Harry mainly focused on Leon’s challenges and that he still prevailed no matter what. Gave it his all and achieved so much."
When asked what he would like to say to his tutors and others who supported him in achieving this goal: "To all the people that are in power at the San Francisco Public Library thanks for putting together a program like Project Read and thanks for all of your help. To all of my tutors and Harry – you helped me work really hard and never give up. Some people in life will brush you off, beat around the bush, lollygag you – but not them. Their words, their time, and their patience helped me to be a better person. They stood by me no matter what and stuck in there with me at the down moments. They told me to always keep on reading even when school is out. Always try to better your reading by picking up newspapers, reading signs, and picking up the dictionary. I saw that they had good hearts and souls by what they do, by always taking time out and just sitting down and giving someone your full attention and opening your arms and opening your heart - I would like to have that one day."
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