Graduation 🧑🎓
This weekend, I had the honor of attending my niece’s graduation from Coastal Carolina University. As I sat among the sea of caps and gowns, witnessing the hopeful faces of tomorrow, I couldn’t help but reminisce about my own college graduation back in the halcyon days of 1997. Graduation day had stirred within me a whirlwind of emotions; I was filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation as I faced the looming prospect of adulthood.
Reflecting on my collegiate journey, I realized that I hadn’t been the quintessential college student. With a modest GPA of 2.2, I often wondered how I managed to cross the finish line. Yet, here I was, a testament to the 30% of individuals who had earned a college degree. Surveying the room, I pondered how many of my fellow graduates shared a similar path.
As the ceremony unfolded, I couldn’t shake the feeling of empathy for these fresh-faced graduates. For many of them, college had been a sanctuary—a bubble shielding them from the harsh realities of the world beyond campus gates. While some undoubtedly faced significant challenges and sacrifices during their academic journey, for the majority, college was a time of leisure, socializing, and self-discovery.
But now, as they stood on the precipice of the “real world,” I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow for them. The transition from the cocoon of college to the crucible of adulthood is perhaps one of the most daunting experiences one can endure. Having witnessed my own parents’ struggles, I thought I understood the gravity of it all. Yet, it wasn’t until I navigated those tumultuous waters myself that I truly comprehend its weight.
Looking back, I find myself yearning for the carefree days of college, despite its academic and personal challenges. If given the chance for a do-over, I’d strive for a perfect 4.0 GPA and approach every endeavor with unwavering determination. While these accomplishments might have eased my transition into adulthood, I recognize that the real world presents challenges far beyond the scope of academia.
To the graduates embarking on this new chapter, I urge you to cherish the memories of your college days. Whether your experience was one of unbridled joy or arduous struggle, it has shaped you into the person you are today. And if life after graduation is everything you hoped for, then revel in that success. But for those of you who may feel apprehensive about the road ahead, remember: life is a journey filled with twists and turns, and each obstacle is an opportunity for growth.
So, to the class of 2024, I bid you farewell to the hallowed halls of academia and welcome you to the grand stage of life. Embrace the challenges, cherish the triumphs, and remember that the journey is just beginning. Congratulations, and may your future be filled with endless possibilities.