Inspirational Speech

I was asked to give a motivational/inspirational speech for the graduate luncheon last week by one of my beautiful Sorority sisters. I, of course said yes, but then after, I immediately got nervous. I don't know why, its not like I never have spoken in front of people before, but I just didn't know what to say that was inspirational. I figured that there is nothing that I know more about than my life. So that is what I talked about. Here is the article that was written about the event:


Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Annual Graduate Recognition Program
Inspires All!

Mrs. Teresa DiMillo, challenged at the age of 18 with uterine cancer while undergoing a routine physical to be a cheerleader at Howard University, now age 30 with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, career woman, married and mother, delivered an amazing inspirational message to high school and college graduates on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Eta Nu Omega Chapter annual graduate recognition program. This event was held at Marie Calendars in Redlands, California. Following the diagnosis, Teresa returned home to San Bernardino, California and dealt with the challenges faced ahead. As she underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Teresa transferred to California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) to continue her education. While at CSUSB, Teresa became a member of Rho Delta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Academics, sisterhood and community service gave Teresa a purpose to live. Teresa is a cancer survivor, a member of Eta Nu Omega Chapter and continues to motivate others to focus on what they can do, not what they can’t do even when others think differently.

At this event, over $8,000.00 was awarded in scholarships to the following young ladies: Brittany Andrews, Margaret Audi, Makayla Whitney, Breanna Bailey, Raddae Chew, Diamond Jerry, Jacy White, Briana Harris, Mikayla Lammons, Shanyce Rodgers, Breauna Sencer, Reya Evans and Ngozi Udeh. Additional scholarships were awarded to members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. undergraduate chapter members with the highest grade point average. The following recipients were: Karen Huser, a member of Kappa Theta Chapter at University of California, Riverside. Karen was awarded the 2011 Sharon Thomas Scholarship. Ashley Harrison, a member of Rho Delta Chapter of California State University, San Bernardino. Ashley was awarded the 2011 Willie Mae Pierre Scholarship.

The scholarship chairman, Erika Bennett worked in collaboration with the committee members Shalimar Anderson-Horsley, Brenda Odell, Linda Gaines-Brooks, Elizabeth Macon, Kenyetta Suggars, Mariyon Thompson with the current president Yvonne Ashe in recognizing the immediate past president, Twillea Evans-Carthen, current Graduate Recognition Chairman with public recognition for her dedication, leadership and community service with a plaque in recognition of her tenure as the immediate past president of Eta Nu Omega Chapter. The surprise was well received at a time of all being recognized for a job well done!

This festive event ended with much laughter, motivation to help others and to keep in touch as graduates were encouraged to recognize when faced with adversity, “losers stay down, winners get up!”

Here are some pictures taken of the event. I apologize for the low quality, it was taken with my cell phone.