What a great time of year! In May ProSTAR hosted a graduation celebration for the many graduating master’s degree students and their families. There were roughly 60 graduates from our many 100% distance or distance-hybrid programs. In total, we estimate there were over 200 people at the reception.
I made a few opening comments to our graduates. I stated I wasn’t sure which time of year I enjoyed more, the fall or the spring graduation time. Fall comes with all of its grandeur and spectacle of football, cooler evenings, the smell of grills and their tasteful delights. Spring, on the other hand, is graduation time; a time of anticipation and reflection. Each has its own emotional spot in my heart; each for its varying reasons. Graduation time instills a sense of anticipation about the future and the emotional tug of leaving something so very cherished behind; that being our friends, colleagues and place we associate strong emotions with. As I moved around the room before the ceremony began, I listened to the many of you who said something very similar to this. I heard one after another speak to how they are going to miss the time spent studying, writing papers, meeting with colleagues and sometimes just the time spent in academics.
It’s hard for me to express the personal satisfaction and gratification that comes from seeing the graduates and their families and hearing the sincere appreciation from so many. The “thank yous” were prolific. Grandparents, parents and children alike were all smiles.
As most of us come to realize at one point or another, life is full of so many wonderful moments; moments that pass so very quickly. If you get a chance, take a few minutes to take inventory of the many wonderful gifts you and your family have been afforded. With an optimistic eye, it is ever easy to recognize how grateful we should be.
In thinking about your future, we hope you recognize the power of education and the role it plays in securing employment, providing a fair living standard, and, perhaps most importantly, promoting a personal sense of accomplishment, increase in self-esteem and confidence; the confidence that comes from the hard work and dedication of increasing your credentials through higher education.
As you begin to enjoy the lazy days of summer, take a moment, if you would, to reflect on where you want to be in the years ahead. Opportunities can be plentiful, with the proper planning and education.
Call us sometime. We’d love to hear from you!
Mitch Springer, executive director