Students hear inspiring words

WARDEN - Washington State University President Elson S. Floyd encouraged Warden High School students to pursue a college education.

"It doesn't matter which college you go to, as long as you go to college," Floyd said to students.

Floyd, 51, stopped at the school Wednesday as part of a visit to the Columbia Basin. He also stopped at the Moses Lake Rotary.

Growing up, Floyd was the oldest child in his family in North Carolina, he said.

Every summer he knew exactly where he would be - at a construction site, he said.

"When I was 10 years old, I was pretending to be 15. Why is that?" Floyd asked students. "That's right. Work."

He received a scholarship to attend boarding school as a high school student, he said. It was tough because he lived away from his family in another state, he said.

"The first thing that happened when I went there was an entirely new environment," Floyd said.

Fortunately, others supported him at the time, he said.

Floyd was offered football scholarships to college, but he selected his school based on his ability to afford it if he lost his scholarship.

Floyd said a high school graduate is expected to make $1 million during their lifetime. A graduate of a 4-year program is expected to make $2.5 million to $2.6 million. A master's degree graduate is expected to make another million on top of that, he said.

"And that's what I want you to do," he said.

He said going to college allows students to help the rest of their family.

Floyd encouraged students to find a mentor.

"And I just want to let you know I'm going to be there every step of the way with you," he said.

He told students they could be whatever they desire.

"Right now, there are no limitations," he said. "There is nothing you can't do at this point in your life."

At the end of the event, several Warden students who will attend WSU next year were introduced.