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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