1 Graduation Down

Yesterday was graduation day for #1 son.  I am a very proud Mama at the moment, and I feel the need to brag.

He double majored in Math and Physics.  Double minored in Statistics and Computer Science. 

Graduated Magna Cum Laude.  In 4 years.

Son #1 took so many AP courses in high school that he entered college as a Sophomore, and became a Junior at the end of this first semester.  This gave him the ability to earn a double major in 4 years.  (He's taken 21-24 semester hours for the last 2 years, so it's not like it was a cake walk.)

We are fortunate.  He will be going to Graduate School in the fall, and he has a scholarship that will cover all of his costs, including tuition.  These scholarships that he's earned?  They're the result of his own drive and determination.  I know he's had rough patches, and I know he doubted his ability to pull this off.  There were nights when he called and just wanted to talk about cats, and ask whether or not the cows down the street had calved yet.

The determination that he's shown to finish, and finish strong?  That's all his own.  I'd like to take credit for giving him that drive, but honestly, it's all him.  He's a very determined man, who has had a destination in mind since somewhere in high school, and he is taking the next step along that path now.

I was astonished by the number of people who stopped me yesterday to let me know of the time that he spent with them, tutoring them in math or physics, making certain that they not only "got" the material, but that they understood it and were able to apply it not only to their homework problems, but to real life scenarios that were presented in lecture or in the textbook. 

The University President had made the remarks in the ceremony the night before about kindness, and strength of character.  One comment that has stuck with me is: "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice."

Son, I am proud of you.  You have accomplished much that you have set out to do.  And you have done it with kindness, determination, and grace.

Good luck to all of our graduates this year - whether from high school, or college.  I wish you keep your dreams in front of you, and your steely determination to succeed closely by your side.  Know that life will throw unexpected challenges in your way, and how you rise to meet those challenges will determine your strength of character, as well as your true nature.  Whatever you do, wherever you go, I urge you to keep these words and thoughts in your mind:  It is nice to be important.  But it is more important to be nice.