'One of the best moments of my life'College of Charleston graduates 1,600, including one very happy young mom By Glenn Smith (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Sunday, May 11, 2008
2008 graduates
Alan Hawes Alysse Lok Yin Kong shakes hands with College of Charleston Arts Management Program director Scott Shanklin-Peterson during the graduation ceremony at the Cistern. 
Alan Hawes Erin Ash (center) is congratulated by classmate Kali Hundley on Saturday after they graduated from the College of Charleston. Ash is holding her 2-year-old daughter, Keely. Erin Ash learned she was pregnant in the midst of her freshman year at the College of Charleston. Just 17 years old, she wasn't sure what was in store for her as a new mother trying to juggle a full load of courses. But Ash knew one thing for certain: She was going to graduate. With help from her family and support from professors, the young single mother found a way to make it all work. She missed just a week of class after giving birth. Then she studied at night — sometimes all night — to get her work and papers completed after her daughter, Keely, went to bed. Those efforts paid off Saturday as Ash graduated along with 1,600 of her classmates in two commencement ceremonies at the college. For Ash, it was a Mother's Day gift come early as she received her bachelor's degree in communications, graduating with a 3.4 grade-point average. "This is one of the best moments of my life," said Ash, now 21. "If there is a reason I finished school, it is because of her. Knowing that I was doing this to build a good life not just for me, but for her as well, was good motivation." Keely, now nearly 3, joined thousands of others who packed The Cistern for the ceremonies. The gray skies and cool, jasmine-scented breezes that greeted the day soon gave way to a baking sun that sliced through the oak canopy and bore down on the crowd. Several graduates used their programs as fans and shields from the sun as they waited their turn to receive diplomas during the early ceremony, which lasted almost three hours. They were still a bit luckier than some faculty members who had the misfortune of sitting below a yellow-crowned night heron. The bird sprayed droppings down upon them at the start of the ceremony, sending them scurrying to wipe smears from their stately gowns and mortarboards. Ronald Tschetter, the national director of the Peace Corps, was the commencement speaker . He praised the College of Charleston for its activism and dedication to the Peace Corps program. The college has contributed 133 volunteers to the program over the years, and 25 graduates and alumni are serving this year alone. No college in South Carolina has contributed more volunteers to the Peace Corps, he said. "Just imagine the legacy that this one school has left all over the world," Tschetter said. "Country after country. Village after village. Project after project. .... Changing the world a little bit at a time — one person at a time." Tschetter, who received an honorary doctorate, also urged the graduates to volunteer and accept their social responsibility. Thomas Skwierawski, senior class president, encouraged his classmates to look for inspiration in themselves and others instead of being dependent upon and isolated by technology. He also drew some laughs when he suggested that the grads should set their Facebook.com pages to private so their new bosses won't see what they really did in college. Ash, of Goose Creek, won't have to worry about that. The devoted mother and student is heading to Penn State in the fall to pursue a master's degree in media studies. She hopes someday to become a professor herself. This year was the first time the college scheduled two commencement ceremonies and held the events on a Saturday, rather than Sunday. The student body voted for the changes to better accommodate friends and families of the graduates. Reach Glenn Smith at 937-5556 or gsmith@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 32 comment(s)
Posted by summerville_guy on May 11, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations to all of the graduates...a college education is a great thing to have!
Posted by KidYendor on May 11, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Where was Erin's husband or boyfriend in all of this? Didn't he do some babysitting so Erin could study and get a good night's sleep?
Posted by LutherVanderhorst on May 11, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The epithet, Single Mother, is now a badge of honor.
Posted by RTC on May 11, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First off: Congrats to all.
Out of 1600 grads, I would think that there was at least one student who overcame a tougher obstacle than a girl who got herself pregnant.
Not my idea of a role model for future students to follow.
I am happy that this girl perservered, but I believe that they could have picked someone better on which to write an article.
JMHO.
Posted by BKLYNIRISH on May 11, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
...and in related news.
http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/200...
Posted by asdpe on May 11, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I beg your pardon? Someone around here needs to review their biology classes.......maybe CofC can help you out. No girl, in the history of mankind, has ever "gotten herself pregnant".
WTG Erin, I'm proud of you for sticking with school and succeeding despite the odds!
Posted by allwoman on May 11, 2008 at 7:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations, Erin. I got pregnant my senior year in high school and I made sure I graduated (in the top 5% in my class) on time. I wish I had gone to college then, but I didn't. I am doing it now though and I, like you, will make sure I go all the way!!!!
Posted by fallofrome on May 11, 2008 at 8:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Congrats to all (including Erin) but must admit I am getting tired of the media glorifying baby mamas and the lowering of moral standards. Where did all the good people go?
Posted by nesseca on May 11, 2008 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
At least she didn't have an abortion like a very high percentage of college women who find that they are pregnant decide (or are forced) to do.
Posted by walleyedwoman1215 on May 11, 2008 at 9:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Luther, RTC, Fallofrome, thank you for your posts, and kudos for having the courage of your convictions. I agree wholeheartedly...
Posted by KSRaider on May 12, 2008 at 12:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations to all the CofC graduates! It was a wonderful ceremony. Erin, when life deals you lemons you can either suck on them until they make you sick or go to work and make lemonade. I'm very happy that you chose the latter course. All of us are imperfect and make many "mistakes" in living our lives. What is important is how we respond to and overcome the hurdles we find before us. Best wishes in all your future endeavors.
Posted by asdpe on May 12, 2008 at 7:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks, KSRaider, you said it much better than I did. I'm just flabbergasted at the "where did all the good people go?" comments, and those who agree with them. I've got a quote for ya: "Let he who is without sin"....and I think you know the rest. I've made plenty of mistakes in my life, but I also know it's not my place to pass judgement on another like some of you seem to be so anxious to do.
Posted by Larz13 on May 12, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congrats to all of the 'finishing school' graduates on George Street. I look forward (for a few months anyway) to less calls to the livability court officer at 2AM, less trash on the street, less dog excrement outside my front door and more employees on King Street. Keep up the good work!
Posted by allwoman on May 12, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Where did all the good people go?" So, none of you had sex out of wedlock, I suppose!
KSRaider and asdpe,
Thanks for the posts. I couldn't have said it better if I tried.
Posted by JessR on May 12, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Before posting negative comments people should examine their own lives and be sure they are free of any sin.
I chose to abort a pregnancy at 18. I am still sorry for the mistakes made in that period of my life, and many mistakes I've made since. More importantly, even with making that decision it took me 18 years to complete my bachelor’s degree without honors and while I have an awesome job, great life and family and have had amazing opportunities there will always be things I should and shouldn’t have done that will follow me through life helping me to grow and hopefully helping me to share that experience with other people to help them not make the same mistakes I have and avoid pain or difficulty.
The important part of Erin’s story is the positive actions Erin has taken. Erin is a beautiful, smart amazing woman. She has a beautiful, smart amazing little girl. She has an awesome supportive family and great friends who have helped her too.
She has worked at the Lowcountry Graduate Center since starting college and has become an important part of the staff
She has held on to an amazing GPA and worked hard at her education as well.
Erin has flourished in the midst of difficulty!
She is also going on to Grad School at Penn State. WOW!
I wish you knew Erin as I do, this article doesn’t do her justice! She’s one of my heroes! I can’t wait to see what she does next!
Posted by eyfigueroa on May 12, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
*sigh*
For all of you out of there thinking that this article 'glorifies' unwed motherhood, I would suggest you reconsider.
She could have very well kept her “dirty” little secret to herself and just walked across the stage in her demure white dress and none of us would have been the wiser.
Instead she chose to face the hostility and derision of those of you on this board who wonder "where are all the good people?" Instead she chose to bathe in the light of her accomplishments. Instead she chose to use herself as an example of what can STILL be accomplished in spite of making a “mistake” early in life. Instead she chose to show other young women who found themselves having a child young and out-of-wedlock, that just because it happened once, doesn’t mean that you have to repeat it.
No one in their right mind would consider this article a glorification of out-of-wedlock birth. If anything, it is a wonderful example of overcoming obstacles (whether self-created or not) and working hard to achieve goals.
Some of you sound so sanctimonious on this board today. Most of you being negative of this young lady had sex before marriage. Some of you probably also have a child out-of-wedlock or is a grandparent of an illegitimate child. Some of you may have even engaged in sex outside of your marriage. Yet, hypocritically vilify this young lady for no other reason that she was open and honest about the mistakes she made in her young life.
I proudly let my own daughters read this article. I wanted them to see how one bad decision could alter their lives. I wanted them to see how difficult life could be if they ended up like this young lady. I wanted them to understand that college life is to be enjoyed and not endured and that they have the rest of their lives to marry and have children. They also understand that though this young lady beat the odds, it would have been much easier if she hadn’t had a child. But I most especially wanted them to understand that if they do make a mistake, that it doesn’t have to be the end of dreams, but it will just make it more difficult to achieve them.
I’m a proud G.R.I.T.S. (girl raised in the south). However, I’m ashamed of the hypocrisy of the Southern Bible belt.
Posted by Early on May 12, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by allwoman on May 12, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Where did all the good people go?" So, none of you had sex out of wedlock, I suppose!
I wanted to but it was always Rosie and her five sisters!
You know, sit on you hand till it was numb, felt like somebody else was doing it!
Anyway, Congradulations to Erin and the other 1599!!!!
Now comes the really hard part, you have to work!
Posted by eyfigueroa on May 12, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
early: you're nuts! LOLOLOL
Posted by allwoman on May 12, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Eyfig:
As always, very well said and I agree with every word of your post. Hypocrisy is a very pungent odor and it is being spread all over this board today.
Early:
Yes, you are a nut!!!!! :-)
Posted by walleyedwoman1215 on May 12, 2008 at 6:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What hypocrisy? I was a virgin until marriage. (At 26, no less. And no, I don't want a medal.) I do not condemn this young woman, I merely point out that the stigma of unwed pregnancy is not what it used to be. As for casting the first stone, you will never see me berate people who have overcome a family history of sexual abuse, alcoholism, bulimia, illiteracy, drug addiction or poverty.
Posted by eyfigueroa on May 12, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
walleyed: if you were a virgin at your marriage bed, kudos to you. That was a conscious choice on your part. For the rest of you out there that had something to say; I highly doubt you all can say the same.
The stigma of teenage and/or unwed pregnancy is still there. Obviously this young woman chose to get past the stigma, shame, etc. and actually accomplish something in her life.
With the numbers of unwed pregnancies here in Charleston, perhaps a story like this may help a young girl not have ANOTHER child, or better yet, not have one to begin with.
As far as virginity is concerned, I've never considered it to be a prerequisite for being a good person. I do however feel that it is imperative that young people not engage in any type sexual activity until they are adults, on their own, physically and financially capable of dealing with the consequences.
I’ve taught my own daughters to treat their bodies as something sacred, especially as teenagers. I’ve also taught them that virginity is not some badge of honor, but instead a conscious responsible choice. If they choose to wait until marriage so be it. If not, they understand that the consequences will be theirs to accept, and it doesn’t make them any less of a person than anyone else.
That is why I go out of my way to have them read about, meet and work with girls their age who have not made responsible choices. That way they can see for themselves the pitfalls of early sexual activity. Trust me, it has worked better than any lecture I could possibly give.
Posted by Early on May 13, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey ya'll come back. i like hearing women open up about virginity and sex and all that stuff,,,,,come back
Posted by allwoman on May 13, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Eyfig: "I’ve also taught them that virginity is not some badge of honor, but instead a conscious responsible choice."
You said a mouth full here! And walleyed, I applaud you for keeping your virginity until marriage.
Posted by eyfigueroa on May 13, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
dang Early you crack me up!
Posted by allwoman on May 13, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, Early, I wasn't a virgin when I got married, but my husband did make me feel like Madonna on our wedding night..."Touched for the very first time!!!!"
Posted by walleyedwoman1215 on May 13, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
EY... I love you!! Allwoman, coffee shot out my nose. Funny!!
Posted by eyfigueroa on May 13, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
walleyedwoman; i need a pair of depends to read y'alls comments. lolol
Posted by allwoman on May 13, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
walleyedwoman:
Sorry about that. You can blame Early, he always makes me say those crazy things with his equally crazy posts!
Posted by Early on May 13, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
allwoman, if i was 20 years younger, better looking, single and had more money,,, you'd be all over me:)
Posted by allwoman on May 13, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Early,
You are probably right (((winks))). Oh, I would have to be single too!
Posted by confederatethornman on May 13, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Where's the baby daddy? Release day not here yet?
Posted by coffeegirl on May 14, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations to the College of Charleston Class of 2008!
This was an article about graduating from college. When did this article become about pre-marital sex and unwed motherhood?