New Beginnings

Sounds like the title to a commencement speech? Well, it is. My commencement speech. I finally graduated from college. Okay, officially graduated from college. After three different degrees, I had the opportunity to walk proudly, float down the aisle in an oversized gown, balance a silly cap, and wrestle with a white collar that would not stay on. 600 other graduates and I from Spartanburg Technical College walked last week to the the pre-recorded notes of Pomp and Circumstance. It was so much fun for me! Especially to have my hubby, two best friends, and three other church families clap and yell my name. Oh and hold up signs! Yes, my hubby, the ever graphic artist, created three signs from foamboard that shouted "Joy! Joy! Joy! Joy!" I turned in my seat and laughed when I saw him holding the sign. Two other signs went up next to him and the other graduates around me laughed too. I felt quite special. Then the reading of the names began. Did I already mention there were 600 graduates? I was one of the first dozen ones because "Accounting" is part of the "Business School" which starts with the letter "B". I didn't realize that even those students who had completed a 1-year certificate program also had the opportunity to don a cap and gown. The welders and the clerks, the dental assistants and the automotive technicians. Tom, Dick, Harry, and Jane. I sat there for a long time, shifting in my chair, stomach grumbling, counting the number of pages of names left in the program. But then I felt ashamed. For most of these graduates, the certificate they held in their hands would be a symbol of the highest scholastic achievement ever. It wasn't a doctorate in physics, or an MBA. It was a simple piece of paper that showed months of hard work after probably having been out of school for decades! There were grandparents graduating, with their whole 20-member families hooting and hollering when their names were called. Indeed it was a crowning moment for an achievement so well deserved and earned. I quickly had an attitude adjustment, and instead of focusing on my tired back and hunger pangs, I focused on the big smiles and the proud postures, and I joined in their celebration. This realization became my commencement mantra that night. "Tonight we have proven that dreams can be realized, goals can be reached, hard work does pay off. For me, success is not defined as having big goals. I define it as having reached a goal, no matter how big or small. 600 graduates from STC and I had quite a successful evening on May 4, 2006." Of course, now I HAVE to finish the last 3 classes in my program this summer. Then my success will be complete.