Education isn’t taken lightly in Freeman Hrabowski III’s family. His father nearly missed his chance to attend college because there was no one to push the family plow — until Hrabowski’s 100-pound grandmother took on the task so her son could go to college.

Later, Hrabowski’s mother worked as a maid in Alabama, where she was invited to read from her employer’s library. She practiced reading and eventually became a teacher who pushed her students, most of whom lived in poor areas, toward college.

“She gave me the greatest gift of all, and I now give it to you,” said Hrabowski, speaking to the School of Continuing Studies (SCS) graduating class. “She told me, ‘Teachers touch eternity through their students. Whatever I had to give — my sense of right and wrong, my lust for learning, my belief in them — I gave it to them, and I will always live through them.’ ”

That is Hrabowski’s story — what’s yours, he asked the graduates?

“I’m here today to tell you to know your stories,” he advised.

The value of education lives in Hrabowski, who is president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He also is author of several books promoting education among African-Americans. Hrabowski pushes his students to ask tough questions and be curious, and he encouraged SCS students to do the same as they take their next steps.

“I challenge you to watch your thoughts — they become your words. Watch your words — they become your actions,” Hrabowski said. “Watch your actions — they become your habits. Watch your habits, they become your character. Watch your character — it becomes your destiny.”

The university president’s words touched Chris Garland (G’09), who earned a master’s degree in liberal studies from SCS. Garland teaches seventh grade in Bethesda, Md., and attended SCS classes part-time to earn his degree.

“No truer words have been spoken,” Garland said of Hrabowski’s speech. “I knew it would be a challenge to go back to school, but it was an easy decision … I want to show my students the importance of being inquisitive and to help them learn to ask the tough questions.”