Graduation
I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we
stand, as in what direction we are moving - we must sail sometimes with the
wind and sometimes against it - but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at
anchor. - Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
Today I completed my bachelor’s degree. I thought it would
be anticlimactic because in two weeks I will be back in school starting my
master’s degree. I was wrong finishing my bachelor's is so exciting. The University
of Utah only holds graduation ceremonies in May so I won’t walk for my
bachelor's. It still feels so good to be done. This is a significant step in my
education and it is over.
I thought a lot this week about sacrifices. Many people made sacrifices that have helped me through school. I am grateful for their
sacrifices, examples, and assistance.
My biggest supporter, hands down, has been my wife. Alison
is always there to encourage me. She could not have been more supportive.
Without her, I do not know where I would be. She has prioritized school over
many other things we could have in life. I will always be grateful for her
support.
My mom has always done a lot to support my education.
Growing up she pushed me through school. She also kept me on my feet during my
first two semesters at Snow. Those semesters I couldn’t support myself and she
supported me. Her support allowed me to focus on school and my grades. It
really helped set me up for a scholarship and opened doors when I transferred to the
University of Utah.
I am grateful to the people who set examples of the importance
of education. Many people set examples for me but two really
stand out - my grandpa and my mom. They both made significant personal sacrifices to pursue master’s
degrees. Their examples have inspired me as I pursue my education.
This summer semester was the most difficult semester of my
undergrad. It required more time and work than I have ever done for
school. Summer school is the worst because there are so many things I would
rather be doing. Because it was so difficult I had to stay focused or risk
falling behind. This semester also put stress on our marriage. It was hard to
find the right balance between school and home.
I made a few big sacrifices this semester. I passed up
an interesting internship opportunity because I knew I didn't have time to do both. I also
passed on a chance to get paid to go to Disneyworld. The trip overlapped with
finals week and I had to decide whether I could do both. I made a call and opted
not to go. I chose to commit to school this summer and that needed to be my top priority. Even though this decision was very difficult I know I made the
right choice.
As I look back over what it took to get me to today there is
immense value in the experience. I achieved my most immediate goals- getting
into grad school and receiving a job offer. It is easy to focus on those goals.
It is fun to be able to say, "I am
a college graduate". The real value comes from the journey. Today isn’t
that different than many other days, but I have graduated. The value of that
education comes from the hours I spent working, studying, and learning. It
comes from the experiences I had. From the classes that seemed irrelevant to my
future – biology, convocations, or leisure studies – to my most advanced
accounting class each made an impact on me. Each class became a thread in the
tapestry that is my education. They each brought new experiences and led me to
today.
As this journey ends another journey is set to begin. I will
keep moving and build upon the education I have received. I am sure more
sacrifices will be required and I will need more support from those around me. In less than
a year I will finish my master’s degree and then I will move on to the next journey.
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