What a great time of year! During Purdue’s Commencement weekend, ProSTAR, as a representative of the College of Technology and the academic departments, hosted a post-graduation luncheon for all of our master’s degree graduates and their families. There were roughly 48 graduates from our many 100 percent distance or distance-hybrid programs. In total, we estimate there were over 170 in attendance.
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. There were hugs for everyone, thank yous and even a few tears. More than one family member, parent or grandparent came up to say “thank you” for playing a role in helping their student get through the program.
Couple that event with ProSTAR’s relocation to Purdue’s new Wang Hall, and there is plenty of nostalgia and mixed emotions. On the one hand there is the rush of emotions associated with breaking from the past, leaving the old chapter behind, and then, there is the rush of emotions when thinking about the change of what is to come. The anxiety and anticipation is tremendously emotional even for those of us who have traveled the transitional phase from old to new before. In helping to make the transition, I have learned to take plenty of pictures of the previous phase so I can recall it with the fond memories it represents later as we energetically work to reestablish some facsimile of normality in our next chapter.
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 and an 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!