You know who you are, roaming the halls with caps and gowns in ripped-open plastic, interrupting classes I’m teaching the next two weeks.
“I’m not sure how you get out half a month earlier than everyone else,” I tell you while you’re walking around the school. It’s a mystery of life I neither condone nor understand.
You’re smiling, returning from picnics and parks while I review freshmen for finals. They grumble–they’re sitting. They want to be going to picnics and parks, too. Sometimes I see one of you frowning. You’re not crossing the stage. We stop and have a meaningful moment–this is a tough time for you. Your friends are all glowing. I tell you this doesn’t mean you won’t succeed. Push through! Be great!
Every once in a while I see your teachers in the hall, freed from the classroom since you’ve got one foot on the stage. One of them should bring me a coffee or lunch.
I remember when you arrived. When you were the one stuck in the classroom watching everyone celebrate. Four (or five!) years flew. I’m getting old. “I could die at any moment, get your work done NOW!” I’ve said that to you for years. The calendar shows it’s closer to being true.
But now, you owe me nothing–no work left to give, only a stage to conquer, then you’re free to enjoy to the magic of life.
I’ve noticed something–as the day drew near, more and more of you said, “Now what?” You’ve stolen my entrepreneurship books, you’ve asked the larger questions, we’ve talked philosophy, you’ve wondered about the stuff that’s real in life. You’ve had that “holy shit” moment as you realized you’ll be going out into a world that hands you nothing. We’ve handed you that world. And now, you’ll have to dig through the manure and build your own empire.
“Why don’t they teach us this?” you’ve asked in horror. I’ve laughed.
“I did,” I said. “You weren’t ready to listen.” You’re ready now. Life’s come knocking. Or smacking, as it were…
But… I wonder…
Why have you waited to start life? I told you to start–for real–the moment you entered my door.
Why does everyone imagine a cap and gown gives you the power to rule the universe, when what gives you the power to be amazing is putting in a little effort each and every day. Before you know it, there you are. The sooner you start, the sooner it dawns on you that you’ve been great all along. Any day can be the day you commit to becoming what you should be and what you already are, magic.
Still, I’m proud of you. This is a big moment.
Some of you will go on to college and training. You’ll spend another few years waiting for your programs to end so you can be great.
Then maybe you’ll go on to jobs where you’ll wait for things to work out, to be fun, engaging, profitable, not realizing a little extra daily effort would’ve built you the companies whose cubicles you now grace, if you started imagining it years ago.
You might wait for the right person to come along at the right time.
You’ll wait to start a family–till you’re settled down and the meaning of life appears. There’s a lot of waiting to be had in life, you’ll think.
I’ve learned the meaning of life never appears. The perfect time is an illusion.
Graduation day does not begin life. Today begins life. Whether you’re eighteen or eighty, or even fifteen sitting at my desks for another two weeks, life begins now.
Graduation doesn’t begin life. You do. Do it. Today.
So much of this resonates. The fallacy of “the real world”, a euphemism I hate. There’s nothing that isn’t real about the world students live in. We all need to spend life now making it count rather than waiting for milestones to come. That will make the milestones more meaningful. Thanks for your candor as always
That’s so true, Starr. My entire gauge for teaching is, “If I were staring at this person, would I be bored to tears?” If so, I do my best to connect. Their worlds are real, but I remember Mr. Brown giving me Real World advice. He was always right. I never listened. I wish the two real worlds would merge better, so we could help them avoid suffering… Mr Brown, if you are listening, I’m down to my last 15K in student loans you told me not to get.
You have such insight and wisdom Dawn! You’re right-at all ages-life begins today-each morning! You inspire me, help me with your words. Do you ever think of publishing these articles in a magazine-having a column somewhere (that was always my dream I guess!). You’d help so many. However, you’re helping plenty. The lucky students who have you with them…wow!
I never searched for the meaning of life though. I’ve always remembered my first Catechism question and answer in first grade: Q: “Why did God make you?” A: “God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him and His people in this world.” I never had a doubt-it was just to find how to serve Him-and that’s daily. That’s my faith which has helped me anyway.
Keep up the great work-you’re a beautiful person!
Christine, actually, I do write for education venues, and The Book will be coming out soon:) It’s something I’ve been working on for a while. I promised a couple of good friends I’d write and finish it. I’m just putting the finishing touches on now.
I wonder if my kids felt lucky this final exam season:) I am grateful for your compliments, since you’ve known me nearly the longest:)