On 28th March Friday at 11:55 in Staffin, Columba 1400 graduated the 3000th programme participant. The final graduate of the day, Tony Gallagher from Greenock, received the 3000th certificate. It is important to say that the scale from 1 to the 2999th and the 3001st are just as special as Tony is. This simply helps us to reflect on all the individual faces and memories that make up that number.
As we marked this milestone in the achievements of our Columban team, Tony was asked how he felt on graduating and he replied,
"The most unbelievably uplifting experience. I now know what it means to truly be a part of something. I had an amazing natural buzz from hearing the rest of the team graduating. I have realised this week how wrong people’s pre conceptions are of drug addicts and alcoholics and I really appreciated the true feelings of honesty and integrity throughout the group, Columba staff included. This week for me has been about completing circles, not giving up and keeping faith in the importance of being good"
Tony was then asked how it felt to be our 3000 graduate:
"This came as a real surprise, I had heard people talking about it this week and knew a lot of people really wanted to be that person. It was explained to me that it was what the team saw in me that warranted that position. This has really reinforced my want and need to do what needs done for myself and others.”
Tony shared that he knows this is real privilege and honour and he will use it for the greater good. On leaving Tony left a personal message for the rest of the Columban team. On the back of a picture from the Hubble telescope showing the galaxy in all its beauty he had scribbled:
"Guys and girls at Columba. Thanks for the space. All of us are stars as this picture represents and in between these stars we have all the space we need to grow. Thanks, Tony."
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