Adam Stein

Adam Stein

2009 Valedictorian

 

 

 

For Adam Stein, the road to Laney College took many a turn.  After graduating from high school in Dublin, NH in 1998, Adam enrolled at Brandeis University, but soon dropped out to begin a journey of self-discovery and westward migration.  After a few years in Colorado, he made his way to the Bay Area, where he opened a successful gardening business.

 

In 2007, Adam had an “epiphany,” realizing that “I have more to offer the world than just gardening.” Adam was drawn to UC Berkeley programs in Middle Eastern Studies, along with Peace & Conflict Studies.  Since application deadlines had already passed, UC representatives urged him to begin his education at a community college, and then to transfer to the University. Two days later he was officially enrolled at Laney College.

 

Adam has come to see Laney as a microcosm of the world he hopes to change. “This is such a diverse campus – a petri dish for diplomacy and bringing people together.  I can’t say enough good things about Laney, which has nurtured my passions and provided great guidance.”

 

In addition to family and friends who helped him along the way, he is particularly grateful to Philosophy instructor Amir Sabzevary, Communications instructor and Phi Theta Kappa advisor Dr. Angela Cherry, History instructor Tim Rose, English instructor Raquel Wanzo, Political Science instructors Denise Richardson and Don Arnold and Marine Science instructor Doug Seger.  “I’ve enjoyed every class I’ve taken here,” he says, “this vibrant campus feels like home.”

 

Adam will be transferring to UC Berkeley in the fall, where he intends to pursue a double major in Middle Eastern Studies and Peace and Conflict Studies and eventually a PhD in International Relations and Global Diplomacy.  His career goal is to bring people together to solve major conflicts, which he hopes to do as a diplomat, teacher, public official and perhaps even one day as Secretary of State.

 Adam Zachariah Stein will give the valedictory address at the Laney College Graduation Ceremony on
May 21.