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May 21, 2007
Albright Graduation 2007
Four years ago we welcomed the class of 2007 as freshman. I’m sure in August of 2003 the last thing on these student’s minds was May, 2007. Probably felt like a million miles away. I know when I received my college admission letter- so long ago that it was probably actually typed, I never thought my college graduation would come. Four years seemed like a lifetime. But I’m sure all our graduates on Sunday will tell you it went by in the blink of an eye. I had a chance to stop by prior to graduation with my daughter to congratulate some of the students I got to know really well. Didn’t catch all of them, but it was good to see Natalie, Ed, Meredith, Natalie B, Megan, Jessica and some others.
There aren’t many times in your life that you are forced to start over again. Graduations are time for family celebration but can also be a time of great trepidation for students. High school graduation meant that students would start all over again at college. And what causes more stress than packing and leaving for colleges? Why? Because it means starting all over. College graduation is no different. Students become comfortable with a routine, they know that someone is looking out for them. The stress level varies from day to day, but for the most part students are protected.
Then comes graduation! “Yahoo! We’re outta here!” What’s next? Many students already have jobs lined up or acceptances to graduate schools. But the life they knew for the last four years is changing. Some students find this change accelerating, but many are very nervous. Students will quickly find out what many of us already know; the education that they received at Albright is their new protection. They should be comforted to know that it will take them places they never believed they’d go. And while they will not be able to hang out every night with all their friends’ playing cards or watching movies, or go to every football and basketball game with their faces painted. They will have those memories and they’re always welcome to come back to Albright to relive them on occasions.
To the class of 2007, CONGRATULATIONS! I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. This chapter of your life is written, but it is one that you can always revisit for the memories and in person.
Posted by Chris Boehm at May 21, 2007 1:37 PM