Story and Photos By Dhiren Shah
On July 22, New Grace Academy of Medical Professionals celebrated its first Graduation Ceremony at Bella Italia Restaurant in Orange, New Jersey. It’s started with a prayer by New Grace Founder Veronica Falae’s husband Ariya Falae, an elder at Holy Ghost Christian Church, Union, NJ.
The Mistress of Ceremonies Anita Wangboje started the festivities by expressing the value in being educated in the world.
New Grace Academy founder Ms. Falae congratulated all the graduates. She gave a very inspirational speech on the importance of education. She said that hurdles will come, but the graduates must overcome them by solving the problems rather than stressing about them.
In sharing her own experience, Falae said, “When I came here to the USA in 1986 with my husband, I had to start all over. I served as a home health aide. I cannot tell you how frustrating it is…I am here to learn, so I had to humble myself.
I had my son a month after I got here on October 10 and in January, I decided that I am going to school…even if just 3 credits. let me start… The way it is in Nigeria, it is not here. It’s a completely different system. So, I took the programs of Home Health Aide and CNA, even though I was a Practicing Nurse in Nigeria, which helped me to learn and adapt to the new system…I was wife, mother, a student, and an employee …
“I was a wife, mother and a student. After a year, I moved to New Jersey from New York. I decided that I was going to change my school, and with the credits they gave me, I was going to lose some. One good thing about that is I had all my children when I was in the school, the last one right before graduation. ‘Every time I see you Ms. Falae, you are pregnant.’ I replied, don’t worry I am going to finish school…
“Whichever country you are from, when you come here, you start over. I always encourage each and every one of my students to not say I cannot start again. Do not stay where you are. You are here today, and no matter where you started from, move up.
“Health care and the medical field are open to great opportunities. If you don’t start, you are going to be in the same spot. I have some students that they say that when they fail, they can’t take it. What matters is what bring food to the table. I always encourage each and every one of them. Some of you can be pediatric nurses. I met someone that loves home care. Whatever you love, don’t stay on the bottom.
“New Grace Academy of Medical Professionals was established in 2017. Life is full of challenges; you need to go over your challenges. I don’t call it a problem; I call it a challenge. Use it as a ladder for your next level.
“When I retire, I want to see some of you as registered nurses, as medical doctors, as nurse practitioners. Remember, New Grace Academy stands for knowledge, integrity and professionalism. Wherever you go, you stand tall and represent the school and yourself. Thank you.”
It was an inspiring speech not only for the graduates, but for all of the guests present. Right after the graduation ceremony, there was a 61st birthday celebration for Ms. Falae. Everyone was having a good time, and as always, enjoyed the delicious food from Bella Italia.
