Education, Motivation and Graduation

Now that early June is upon us, we find ourselves in the midst of the celebratory graduation season.  Who hasn't caught themselves pomp and circumstancing along with high school and college students as they stroll down the aisle with decorated caps and tassels swaying?  We've all clapped and photographed wildly, at some point, the all-important kindergarten or middle school children as they participated in their respective promotion ceremonies.  It is a joyous time to celebrate education, accomplishments and moving on to the next level of life.  There is a sense of sadness at something coming to a close mixed sweetly with the new beginnings of adventure and dreams.  It's the primary time that the words "nothing is impossible" emanates from every microphone across the country.

In attending some of these graduations, events and parties recently, I've been reflecting on my own journey through all levels of school.  Growing up in a small town in Nevada, I have nothing but fond memories of elementary school, junior high and high school.  I was extremely fortunate to have had many caring teachers and staff who nurtured us throughout, providing for a safe and fun environment for learning and growing.  We were challenged academically, but there was also a balance of life lessons and responsibility that we adhered to.  When our senior class of 70-plus were cheered by a full gymnasium, we knew life would take us in different directions and on separate paths.  Some of my classmates went into the military.  Others onto colleges, universities and vocational schools.  And, others opted to move straight into the work-force becoming entrepreneurs, mothers, fathers and professionals.  Whatever their way, it's been 29 years since that time and it is hard to believe so much time has passed.

My personal story took me from high school graduate directly to my Freshman year at a university.  I had been a high achiever, type-A student, who fretted over every grade, test score, scholarship application and extra-curricular activity I could.  But then, married at a young age of 19 and having my first daughter at 20, my higher education goals had to be put on hold.  I continued to learn through my jobs in a medical laboratory and as a legal assistant, which gave me a solid foundation, but I always desired to return to school for my bachelors degree.

This brings me to the motivation part of this story.  Although I had always been self-motivated in many ways, at the age of 26, there were mounting fears of cost, my age, time management, and rusty study skills that kept me from returning to finish my degree.  I often had conversations with myself on whether I had what it took in both energy and commitment to juggle family, work and school to get it done.  We all have a moment, what some call an "aha moment" where one may read, hear, or determine something that provides clarity and promotes action.  My moment came during an out-of-town visit with my friend Ellen.

Ellen had always inspired me in various ways during our personal conversations and her professional abilities as a software and IT specialist, but this particular day, remains with me.  We were sitting by the pool, at a small, random motel in Northern California, watching our kids play and swim while we caught up on life's events.  As we shared our stories, wishes and future dreams, she asked me if I had any regrets.  I did.  The fact that I hadn't finished my college education always saddened and frustrated me.  As she asked what I thought had been holding me back, I rattled off my long list of reasons, ending with the statement that because I had waited, I'd be thirty or thirty-one by the time I graduated.  That's when she paused, looked me straight in the eye, and asked "how old will you be if you don't go?"  It is the one question and my silent answer that served as my motivation.  And, often it creeps into my life to remind me that there is no time like the present, no reason to wait, if one wants to do something.

I did go back.  I did finish, graduating Summa Cum Laude from California State University Sacramento and have had a wonderful life and career since.  It was one of the best things I could have done for myself and my girls.  Life is about learning, yes, and it is also about inspiring oneself and others.  You never know what a positive impact you may have on others just by listening, questioning, or motivating by example. Don't be afraid to learn, move on to something new, or take on what seems an unsurmountable challenge, as it really comes down to three basic steps to achieve those dreams...
education, motivation and graduation.