Graduation and Appreciation

My niece, Sarah recently graduated from Centerville High School and will be off to The Ohio State University in the fall. Like many of her peers, she is marking the end of one chapter in life and the start of another.

Graduation is most definitely a time to note accomplishment. Whether it’s gaining a diploma from high school, trade school, college or post college, every graduate should relish in such a grand achievement.

Celebrations are duly warranted when perseverance scores victory over challenge. Those of us who’ve graduated children from various educational programs know how acknowledgement and gratitude run wide and deep.

I imagine for many parents, including my brother, reflective moments flood the heart in trying to grasp how quickly memories of then have become moments of now. Wasn’t it just yesterday when anxious parents held the hand of even more anxious kindergarteners at the bus stop on the first day of school? Many of them squelched tears as they launched their children up the steps only to watch the bus drive away. Talk about letting go.

To every kindergarten teacher out there, you have the heartfelt gratitude of so many parents. You who embrace each child beyond a parent’s reach planting seeds of wonder. Kindergarten is such a fertile environment where learning and positivity coexist.

Graduation symbolizes a rite of passage and a new beginning; marking the end of one chapter in life and the start of another. Truth be told, however, there are many chapter ends and new beginnings along the way. With each journey, parents must navigate the difficult path of trying to remain involved while letting go; being still enough to listen while so wanting to talk. Finding the right ways to support each kid is different which makes the reliance on various educational staff so important.

As parents, we remember the painful times our children seek ways to fit in. It’s hard. How to channel energy for good, how to take risks in the quest to grow, and how to become one with your emerging mind all require unique solutions for each child. I think about middle school and high school teachers whose charge it is to “see” students beyond so many short sighted struggles to create safe and fruitful environments.

We also relish in the victories, the medals, and the triumphs. My niece has done well academically and enjoyed a valuable tenure playing volleyball. I’m sure my brother and his wife are remembering and smiling. Mentors, coaches, and team mates all made a difference. Their encouragements will have a lingering impact on the continued emergence of self-confidence and ability to remain in the game.

Most graduation ceremonies include the cap and gown, a traditional attire representing academic achievement and a communal journey for the graduates. At the end of the ceremony, the graduates move their tassels from the right to the left side of the cap signifying the transition from student to graduate.

In this most glorious moment, I’m sure parents relish not only in pride for their children, but also in gratitude for the vast support team that helped each child reach this momentous goal. It does take a village. Not only teachers, but also tutors, bus drivers, principals and playground monitors are to be celebrated during this time of happy acknowledgement.

I wish for all who are part of our community’s educational team to have an opportunity to take a deep breath this summer. For my niece, Sarah, I offer my utmost congratulations.

Enjoy this pause to celebrate, for your next chapter of big life is very soon to come.

And just like it’s always been, I trust there will be others ready to greet you in your greatness.