A Whole New World

Posted on | May 17, 2009 |

Today was graduation day at Curry College, where I work, and a bittersweet moment it is - always. Years ago I felt this even more strongly. The very first time I was due to see an entire class graduate, a class I’d been with through all four years of growth and development, I couldn’t bring myself to turn up on the day. I knew I was supposed to be happy for them, but I was also sad, sadder than I could easily admit, that the people who had made my heart happy - even when they’d been difficult - were now going to disappear. They’d promise to stay in touch, of course, but promises are fragile things at such times, and I knew I couldn’t expect them to keep those promises. They are meant sincerely in the emotion of the moment, though, and perhaps that’s what makes it all so moving.

Today was a little different. I looked at all those young, enthusiastic and beautiful faces, knowing that for some of them the way ahead would be wonderful and for others it surely would be hard. Some will not find all the happiness they deserve, and some will surely run into difficulties of one sort or another. And it is almost impossible to predict which will be which. So I waved goodbye to the student with the glittering grade point average and the confident smile wondering how he would fare in the world outside; and I hugged the student who had barely got through several classes, knowing that inside her there was a deep strength that I would bet any money would set her on a life trajectory that would be one of wisdom, growth, and real fulfillment. And it will have nothing to do with how much money she does or doesn’t make.

The hard path is not necessarily a bad thing, and the easy path may turn out to be way more difficult because it can deaden the spirit. Watching these great-hearted souls as they headed out into the world, I couldn’t help but feel what a privilege it has been to be a small part of their lives, if only for a short while.

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