We’re very proud to announce that our Palm Desert campus recently had its first graduating class. They’ll join the ranks of proud SBBC alumni with great jobs and successful careers. Congrats graduates!

Here is the graduation speech of proud graduate, Joel M. Read how he came to SBBCollege, overcame challenging obstacles and is now a successful trainer.

Hello everyone, and welcome to the 2009 Santa Barbara Business College Graduation Ceremony.

I would like to start off by thanking Marsha Celesta, Peter Conrad and staff for choosing me to speak here today. It is an honor and privilege to stand before you.

I would like to take this time and congratulate the class of 2009 and to all those students that reached Honor Roll or received perfect attendance awards.

Those awards that you received are not just a piece of paper with fancy writing. They are tools for the future. So show them to everyone.

For those of you that don’t know me or know my story, I just want to share a little bit of why I am here today. I am here by fate.

About two years ago, I was hit in the head with a bat and paralyzed from my knees down. You’re probably asking, how is that fate?

Well, when I was going through therapy and learning how to walk again, it made me realize that I too could help people by being fit and staying healthy. By being a personal trainer, I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason. Currently, I am a trainer at Toscana, a very high-end exclusive Country Club. I also work for the YMCA, teaching Youth Fitness and Nutrition.

So thanks to SBBCollege, I am making a living and having fun doing a job I enjoy.

You know when I started here at SBBCollege, I was nervous and still a little unsure about going back to school. But look at me now standing before you wearing this funny looking hat and gown.

I want to take this opportunity to thank SBBCollege staff, from Marsha and Peter, the Deans of the Campus, to the teachers for taking time and effort to pass on their knowledge. Thanks to the fine office staff who make this campus run so smoothly. And to the people I love mostly – my wife Dana, my son Dillon and my mothers-in-law Becky & Gwen. Thank you for your support. I love you very much.

In closing, to all the graduates – Congratulations & keep up the good work! Good luck to you all, and remember, success does not come to you – you have to go and get it!!

Thank you & God Bless.

– Joel