'Life has no limits:' Speaker at Health Professions college

New York College of Health Professions

Number of graduates: 250

Keynote speaker: Leonard Lauren, vice president of Polo/Ralph Lauren, told the graduating class, "You have not wasted your time learning the tricks of the trade. You have learned the trade." He added, "Life isn't fair, but it's good. . . . You can get through anything." He cautioned students that "however good or bad a situation is, it will always change." Before closing, he reminded the graduates that "the best is yet to come."

Class speaker: Student speaker Melanie Modjeska told the class that "life has no limits. Life can be unpredictable. Life can be thrilling. Life can be enjoyable. Life can be difficult." She went on to say that "believing in yourself generates confidence in who you are." She added that each member of her graduating class "made sacrifices in order to follow dreams" and that after graduation, each person should "keep learning and never let an opportunity pass you by."

Graduates speak out

Yoo Jin Shin, 22

Associate in occupational studies, massage therapy

"I'm not sure yet where I'll be in the fall. I want to come back and get my master's in acupuncture while I'm still young. I'd rather have loans and another degree and then pay off everything at once."

Damion Jones, 33

Associate in occupational studies, massage therapy

"You've got to think outside the box. I'm actually toying with the idea of moving to the Virgin Islands. The hotel industry down there is great and they have a lot of spas, so I'll be able to find work."

Christine Cuoco, 30

Master of science in acupuncture

"I'm hunting for a job right now. I just moved to Virginia a few months ago, and I'm probably going to try and start my own business down there."

Chris Miranda, 28

Master of science in acupuncture

"Over the last few years while I was taking classes, I was putting together a business in Franklin Square that practices physical therapy and massage therapy. It's hard starting out on your own in this economy. I was lucky to be partnered with a chiropractor who helped me get started and make the company more marketable."

Danny Sarno, 24

Associate in occupational studies, massage therapy

"I've got my board exams in August and then I'm going to be searching for a job. I'll take anything that will give me health insurance."