MTC graduates reflect on their lessons at graduation

Hailey Lopez-Lanuza, a graduate of the Manatee Technical College's surgical technology program, enrolled at MTC right after graduating a year early from Manatee High School in May 2024.

She had mixed feelings of excitement, nervousness and uncertainty about what she wanted for her future. 

Fast forward to June 26 and her feelings no longer were mixed. She was thrilled to have completed her surgical technology program.

During MTC's first of two graduation ceremonies that day, Lopez-Lanuza gave a speech to half of the 700 MTC graduates. 

“I knew I was choosing a path that was challenging, but what I did not expect was how much I would grow alongside people from all walks of life, all here chasing a dream,” Lopez-Lanuza said. “Some of us came straight from school, others changed careers, balanced jobs and families, but we all had one thing in common — we refused to give up on ourselves.” 

Lopez-Lanuza said she learned a lot through the program, such as how to be calm under pressure, that every second counts, and to say yes to opportunities that might be a bit scary.

She plans to work for a couple of years and then go back to school to earn her registered nursing license. She said she would consider working in the emergency room thereafter. 

Sophia Swim, a graduate in digital videography technology, stressed the importance of following your passion, even if it is not easy. 

“Growth doesn't always look like a straight line,” Swim said. “Sometimes it looks like doubt, like falling forward, like walking into a classroom with your heart in your throat hoping you're in the right place.” 

Swim said the unknown is not the enemy, it is a beginning. 

“This place taught us how to use our hands and our minds, but also how to hold ourselves together when things fall apart,” Swim said. “How to keep creating, keep trying, even when it's messy, even when you feel behind, and even when it feels like everyone else has figured it out.”