More than 100 proud students celebrated graduation from the Bermuda College yesterday.Associate Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates were bestowed upon students in the divisions of Applied Science and Technology, Business Administration and Hospitality, and Liberal Arts.The ceremony also featured graduates of the College’s partnership with Mount Saint Vincent University’s degree programme in Business Administration and Child and Youth Studies.Bermuda College President Dr Duranda Greene congratulated the students on their achievements.“Each of you have persevered to make it through this chapter of your success story,” she said. “Although all of your stories are different, all of you have something in common; dedication and persistence.”Dr Greene noted the difficult state of the economy and advised the students to continue in education, in order to be best-placed in the job market. She promised that their new qualifications are “your ticket to change the world”.Her advice was echoed by Janae Armstrong, one of the students who demonstrated particular dedication and persistence in making it to graduation.Single mother Ms Armstrong has four children; Eanajah Armstrong, 10, Chastity Armstrong, 8, Serenity Armstrong, two, and Blessings Hendrickson, one. She graduated with an Associates Degree in Applied Science (Business Administration).“I have been trying to achieve this degree since 2004 but I was working, having children, getting married and getting divorced life happens,” she explained.Ms Armstrong, 32, from Pembroke, started off “taking a class here and there” before opting to become a full-time student after losing her job.“Being organised is the key, and asking for support as far as babysitting, and first and foremost, God,” she said, explaining her faith has helped her through challenging times.“Having four children and being a mother and a full-time student is hard, but it’s not impossible. Now I have graduated I feel very emotional. I am feeling like a burden has been lifted off my shoulders. There have been years and years of frustration, seeing my fellow schoolmates graduating and me not graduating for so long. Finally being able to graduate, I feel so proud of myself.”Offering advice to other women in her position, she said: “I encourage other single mothers to do the same. Times are hard, and they are not getting any easier. Without education we will find ourselves following the same cycle as we have for years. Even if you take one class, do it. Take baby steps towards getting a degree and furthering your education.”Ms Armstrong plans to enrol in the Mount St Vincent programme in September to study for a Batchelor’s Degree in Business Administration.Another proud graduate was Chantae Hollis, who transferred to the college from the Bermuda High School after her mother lost her job and could not afford the fees. She graduated with an Associates Degree in Arts, with merit, having studied psychology.“It definitely was a blessing to come here,” said Miss Hollis, 19, from St George’s.“I was, at first, sceptical about coming to the college. Some people don’t have faith in the public education system, but after I came here, that was gone. It was a memorable and enjoyable experience and my lecturers were very helpful.”Miss Hollis plans to study clinical psychology in England after a year off to raise funds, with a view to becoming a clinical psychologist.Also celebrating success was Teisha DeSilva, a single mother of five, who earned a Diploma in Culinary Arts.“It’s been a very big challenge,” said Ms DeSilva, 34, who began her studies by obtaining her GED on her third attempt two years ago.“I have wanted to be a chef since high school,” she explained, adding that she feels “happy and excited” to have completed her college course.