Convocation kicks off academic year on upbeat note

In August at Convocation 2024, Durham Tech celebrated the start of the academic year, welcomed new staff and reunited established colleagues.  

The biggest highlights of the event were remarks delivered by three people who have attended Durham Tech, sharing the impact the College has had on their lives.    

Sofia Avila spoke about her homeland and moving to America as a teen. She said the welcoming spirit of the Durham Tech campus made her feel at home, and attending the College changed her destiny.

“I was born in and lived in Honduras 18 years of my life, and while beautiful, there is limited access to high-quality education, as well as few opportunities to develop personally, academically, or professionally,” Avila said. “Durham Tech has been more than just a place of learning. It is an open door. ... Durham Tech has taught me that no matter the background, age, and no matter your native language, Durham Tech has a place for you.”

Charmaine Grafton, along with her two sisters, graduated from Durham Tech.  

“My journey started with a dream and a lot of uncertainty,” Grafton said. The single mom of four said that when she was passed over for a promotion, one she felt worthy of, because she did not have a degree that she realized she was at a crossroads.

“I needed to change my trajectory,” Grafton said. Grafton ended up earning two associates degrees from Durham Tech while also holding the office of Student Government Association president in 2020-2021.

“The faculty and staff here believed in me even when I doubted myself,” she said. “And I want to say to each of you that your work matters. Every day you have the power to change lives just as you changed mine.”

Grafton went on to remind members of the faculty and staff that “students are listening and they are absorbing your words and support, so keep doing what you are doing.”

The final featured speaker at Convocation was Jonathon Byrd, a current non-traditional, full-time Durham Tech student who will graduate next year with an associate degree in engineering. Byrd is a musician, songwriter, teacher and writer, 25 years in the business, who hopes to one day add physicist to the list.  

“The one word I would use to describe Durham Tech is opportunity,” Byrd said.

Byrd told those in attendance, “you taught me that I contain universes. That I am more than a GPA. More than a learning disability. Well, you are more than a degree or your faculty position. I know some days you must feel like you are making a small difference at best. It’s not small.  What you do is uncountable. Buildings come and go, but you are Durham Tech Community College.”