� Homework Hell | Main | nearing the end...on the verge of a new beginning �
May 10, 2010
commencement
I distinctly remember when I graduated from high school, thinking that commencement was a funny name for the ceremony. High school graduation seemed so much more of an ending than a beginning--why would you call it commencement?
I thought about that again when I graduated from college with my bachelor's degree. At the time, graduation felt like the end of security. During the time I was in college, my parents paid my way. Graduation was a marker of being out on my own, finding a job, and paying my bills.
Eventually, I found my way through two master's degrees, and my family made me go to two more commencement ceremonies. I remember very little from these events, except that Donna Shalala was the speaker at one, the same one I'm told was on a cold and rainy day in the pacific northwest. The second of these commencement ceremonies was on a sunny August day, and there was jazz music. But both of these again felt more like an ending instead of a beginning...I've never thought of finishing a degree as an opportunity to move on to something new. Maybe I've been living my life in the past instead of the present? Of maybe all of these commencements weren't really commencements at all, but just a temporary respite on the way to something more?
This past Friday, on a cold and rainy day, I participated in my final commencement.
Beforehand, I attended a little reception thrown by my department. My advisor wasn't there, of course. The department chair, who is kindly but doesn't know me, mispronounced my name when he introduced me. I didn't really know anyone, except for one favorite professor who couldn't attend the ceremony today because of a family obligation. None of this mattered.
When you graduate with your doctorate, you get to wear a hood made of velvet. The velvet color varies, depending on your degree. In my case, it was dark blue, for the doctor of philosophy. At the University of Minnesota, the satin lining on the inside is maroon and gold. And, here at the U of M, you can choose the standard robe (black) or the centennial robe (red). Someday, if I choose to become faculty somewhere, I might purchase the centennial robe, but right now, I am content to have the doctoral robe of the former academic dean of General College. I did buy the centennial tam instead of the traditional mortarboard, though.
The talking part of the ceremony was short. The address was given by a geography professor who talked about graduate degrees and global engagement. It was interesting, but not all that accessible to my family. It didn't matter.
I was in the back of the line of maybe 300 or more doctoral degrees given out on that day. Eventually they called my name, and I was hooded for the first time. I don't know who the faculty were who did the hooding, although I think one is the chair of the educational psychology department. It didn't matter.
I walked across the stage and got my diploma cover, which I don't need since my diploma is already framed and on display in my office (doctoral degrees are awarded monthly--and mine's been done for awhile now). Some people got to get hugs or handshakes from faculty in their departments who were there for this auspicious occasion. I did not have anyone standing there, eager to hug me or shake my hand. It didn't matter.
I walked off the stage, and standing there at the end was C, eager to hug and kiss me. My parents, who were in the most awesome reserved seating, looked on with pride. THAT mattered.
When it was all done, I walked out with my little girl and my son, who have a doctor for a mother. They say that the educational attainment of the mother is the most important factor in the social mobility of a child. J and S, I might not have even imagined your very existence back when I was graduating from high school, and my bachelor's, and my master's, but don't think for a minute that I didn't do it all for you, because I did. Because THAT matters.
So, I walked out of that auditorium wearing my doctoral clothes proudly, holding the hand of my son. I did it! I accomplished an important life goal. And now, as I look forward to what comes next, I understand the meaning of commencement. I think I just didn't get it before because I wasn't really done. I wasn't ready to commence.
Posted by chri1010 at May 10, 2010 10:55 AM | Family Matters | That Thing Called a Dissertation
Comments
Congratulations, Laurene! I'm so very happy for you!
Posted by: Jill T at May 10, 2010 2:08 PM
Laurene, I love this posting. It captures all the things that are really important versus those that aren't. I want one of the photos! love, Kim
Posted by: Kim Brown at May 10, 2010 4:36 PM
I am so very proud of you! You have taken the road less traveled and traveled it in style-Bravo!
Posted by: Valerie at May 10, 2010 7:24 PM
That made me tear up! And I love that you got the fancy hat; I think that's the best part of the regalia.
Posted by: Carol Burnell at May 10, 2010 7:44 PM
This really impressed me. You are a wonderful mother and a wife and a woman to accomplish such great degree. It made me think back my past commencements, too... Congratulations! you really did it!
Posted by: Yoko at May 21, 2010 10:56 PM
no you cant change it later , can you edit your gmail or yahoo id ? same like you cant edit your facebook id
Posted by: Shawn Butz at August 10, 2012 4:17 AM
Extremely good fonts thank you.
I quiet just like the "Haymaker", it seems new and fits well into the 2012 earth.
Thanks!Ben
Posted by: Isiah Saleme at August 10, 2012 12:51 PM
I would definitely be all for getting rid from the West twins, as they have dragged down The Flash comics over the past few ages. For that matter, I'd personally also jettison Linda Park, as We have hardly ever warmed up to this character in any way. Wally would be retconned for a single guy. And why never they call the character JESSICA Quick as a substitute of Jesse (which is the MALE spelling of your name). It might be way more feminine. And also concentrate more on her marriage to Rick Tyler, aka Hourman. Even during their time in the JSA, I in no way saw any connection or chemistry among them whatsoever. Zero!
Posted by: Dick Drees at September 9, 2012 1:54 AM
ed to the gay community, it reveals the experience gay people have of hiding themselves and their gifts from the world:"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are
Posted by: carpet cleaning Melbourne at September 11, 2012 7:52 PM
Howdy. Very nice site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Wonderful .. I'll bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionally...I am happy to find a lot of helpful information here in the article. Thanks for sharing..
Posted by: diabetic foot ulcer treatment at September 12, 2012 2:25 AM
These stories get me excited about what is possible. thanks =)
Posted by: Deana Lauthern at September 12, 2012 4:39 AM
Hi there. Very nice blog!! Man .. Beautiful .. Wonderful .. I will bookmark your site and take the feeds additionally...I am satisfied to find so much helpful information here in the article. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: here at September 13, 2012 2:42 AM
Very good Morning, I just stopped in to go to your site and imagined I would say I loved myself.
Posted by: Tammie Nading at September 13, 2012 8:13 PM
What's the girl several above me talking about?
Posted by: weight loss diets at September 14, 2012 10:01 PM
I got it immediately and am using it now it is not that superior as gmail
Posted by: top article at September 15, 2012 4:20 AM
Excellent data can be found on this online weblog.
Posted by: Lenora Schemonia at September 16, 2012 8:22 PM
However, the loss mitigation department; 5. Be Persistent. This can be easily avoided. These debts are "held" in accounts known as personal loan-loss reserves. This can be alert to such schemes.
Posted by: loans at September 17, 2012 3:45 AM
Hey there would you mind sharing which blog platform you're using? I'm going to start my own blog soon but I'm having a difficult time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I'm looking for something completely unique. P.S Apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!
Posted by: laptop table for bed at September 18, 2012 2:24 AM
Squidoo is an enigma to me also. Just could not ever have a grasp of it......nor its real purpose. Congratulations to all of you who locate it useful.
Posted by: Evangeline Machol at September 19, 2012 1:34 AM
Exceptional post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic? I'd be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Kudos!
Posted by: seo optimization companies at September 19, 2012 3:03 AM
Another advantage is no grunting noise, just pure silence of the users of e-bikes, which themselves produce no emissions. Associate Professor Christopher Cherry at the University of California-Berkley.
Posted by: electric bikes at September 19, 2012 8:25 AM
Welcome to everybody. I Am totally from Greece plus i have a good new-found blog. Go To my online business and tell me your view. You Can Get many creative ideas and information on my job. It's free of charge 100% and with out having registrator. Thanks To every body who's going to come to my completely new world wide web. This Helps my work. | διακόσμηση |
Posted by: more information at September 21, 2012 2:12 AM
Very efficiently written post. Very informative to those who uses it, including myself. Keep up the nice work! Iwill be back to take a look at your articles in the future.
Posted by: university at September 28, 2012 7:36 PM
Very interesting details you have observed , thanks for putting up. "Lefty Wise guy dont carry wallets, they carry their money in a roll....beaner on the outs" by Donnie Brasco.
Posted by: Agence Communications at October 3, 2012 2:10 AM
Would you be all in favour of exchanging links?
Posted by: Camila Marceau at October 4, 2012 2:11 PM
Good idea. Could be considered a perfected issue, ok;
Posted by: Emma Yarbro at October 4, 2012 10:43 PM
The MiFare classic crack has very little to accomplish using this particular use on the cards. That was employed to extract the A and B keys, which would let you get with the encrypted memory. I'm not even touching that element of the card just examining the exceptional ID from it and checking it versus the master checklist.
Posted by: Scottie Helgaas at October 5, 2012 12:16 AM
thank you for this post, I am a big big fan of this site would like to go along updated.
Posted by: blog deals at October 5, 2012 8:56 AM
My spouse and I stumbled over here coming from a different website and thought I may as well check things out. I like what I see so now i'm following you. Look forward to looking over your web page for a second time.
Posted by: relevant web page at October 6, 2012 11:41 PM
Ok so I have looked around a lot on this matter and I keep finding stuff like VNC (or VNSea) that allows you to access the computers on your WiFi network, but all of these require you to install something onto the computer itself. Is there a way to access the computer WITHOUT even touching the computer?. . Thanks in advance!.
Posted by: Shelia Reasons at October 9, 2012 9:05 PM
Nice read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing some research on that. And he actually bought me lunch since I found it for him smile Therefore let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch! "Bill Dickey is learning me his experience." by Lawrence Peter Berra.
Posted by: london and provincial music at October 10, 2012 4:24 PM
Would you be taken with exchanging hyperlinks?
Posted by: Preston Vanveldhuize at October 12, 2012 10:10 PM
Good day! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website? I'm getting sick and tired of Wordpress because I've had issues with hackers and I'm looking at options for another platform. I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
Posted by: click to read more at October 16, 2012 2:19 AM
I dugg some of you post as I cerebrated they were invaluable extremely helpful
Posted by: Scrapebox list at October 16, 2012 7:13 PM
I have been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thanks , I’ll try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your website?
Posted by: website laten maken rotterdam at October 20, 2012 6:50 AM
Attractive slice of satisfy. I a minute ago stumbled upon your locate and in taking over center to assert that I get in statement enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I'll ensue subscribing to your augment and steady I achievement you access consistently fast.
Posted by: odszkodowania w uk at October 20, 2012 6:55 AM
My husband and I arrived for the 1st time previous 12 months and strategy on returning the drop. Bought some great unusual xmas presents. See you there.
Posted by: Ernest Gronowski at October 20, 2012 9:03 PM
Sure, I agree. That's excellent advice and I hope I may take that advice. By the way, thanks
Posted by: More resources at October 22, 2012 12:34 PM
Thanks for this post, I am a big fan of this web site would like to go on updated.
Posted by: Billy Dollyhigh at October 26, 2012 9:16 AM
No visas? The who's gonna vote for that Dems in Dearbornistan?
Posted by: http://trulyfreesearch.com at October 28, 2012 9:39 PM
Very good written article. It will be beneficial to everyone who employess it, as well as myself.
Posted by: caring for betta's at October 29, 2012 2:25 AM
Which is exactly what I had been wondering. No offense on the inventor, but what happened when you cut away what would appear to be at least a fourth from the car's framework? I believe I know what became of the majority of these Pintos. Unless there was some sort of structural stiffener additional, sags, cracks and doors that won't close or pop open at inopportune periods, and other maladies might have lead to an early trip to the crusher. Other wise it really is not a bad searching modification.
Posted by: tiki index at October 31, 2012 5:14 PM
Never knew this, regards for letting me know.
Posted by: Andria Goist at November 2, 2012 1:26 PM
Hiya, I am really glad I've found this information. Today bloggers publish only about gossips and web and this is actually frustrating. A good blog with interesting content, this is what I need. Thank you for keeping this site, I will be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can't find it.
Posted by: eigenwebsite maken at November 4, 2012 3:17 AM
This is my first time I have visited here. I found a lot of interesting information in your blog. I guess I am not the only one who noticed this! keep up the impressive work. :p
Posted by: Los Angeles matchmaker at November 6, 2012 12:00 AM
I think not only of what you're referring to. Behind it there are many other factors
Posted by: [Travel to vietnam| vietnam travel| travel vietnam| travel in vietnam] at November 12, 2012 6:23 AM
How did those people rocket launcers get there so fast if it was just mainly because of the online video?
Posted by: Papierrollen at November 12, 2012 10:51 PM
For that last six or 7 ages, the National Automotive Record Collection (NAHC) on the Detroit Public Library, has become awarding the Future Collectible Car with the Calendar year award from a list of cars which have been new that calendar year determined by automotive marketplace professionals as remaining new, not freshened. It may be awarded in December of each and every 12 months, just ahead of the North American International Auto Present. It is voted on by the members of your Friends in the Nationwide Automotive Record Collection. Hagerty looks to have arrive up with the notion as a PR promotion.
Posted by: Thermorollen at November 12, 2012 11:54 PM
Helpful information. Lucky me I discovered your web site accidentally, and I am shocked why this coincidence did not happened in advance! I bookmarked it.
Posted by: Hollister Madrid at November 16, 2012 1:51 AM
Hello very cool blog!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I'll bookmark your website and take the feeds also¡KI'm happy to seek out so many useful information right here within the post, we want work out more techniques in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .
Posted by: cms website at November 20, 2012 10:25 PM
Great ideas on making the law of attraction work, which is almost always the sticking point people get.
Posted by: get pregnant quickly at November 23, 2012 9:01 AM
Awesome blog post.
Posted by: Ozie Clausi at November 28, 2012 8:27 PM
I reflect you experience remarked part mere interesting arguments , views for the announce.
Posted by: Alex at December 3, 2012 2:43 PM
Gripping! I would like to listen to the experts` views on the subject!!...
Posted by: euromont radom at December 4, 2012 4:53 PM
Strange but true. Your resource is expensive. At least it could be sold for good money on its auction!...
Posted by: www.pornoplaneta.pl at December 12, 2012 5:15 PM
This material you presents in this article is definitely a top-notch and amazing field. Intriguing technique and pattern in composition. Keep composing such helpful news.
Posted by: Billie Nay at December 19, 2012 10:09 AM
Extremely superior web page thanks so much for your personal time in writing the posts for all of us to learn about.
Posted by: Houston Frisella at December 21, 2012 3:17 PM
I totally agree with what you are saying eventhough this post is not suit to new WP :)
Posted by: Craig Rhinehart at January 1, 2013 8:05 PM
Wealthy and traveling wherever and whenever I want with my doggie, plus helping get dogs fixed, and those that need homes, and organizations that do thus and such.
Posted by: Quincy Solly at January 4, 2013 1:50 AM
I got an honorable mention! This was an awesome giveaway!
Posted by: Vanita Usack at January 5, 2013 2:17 AM
You made some decent points there. I did a search on the topic and found most guys will approve with your site.
Posted by: ciclo m stane at January 10, 2013 3:39 AM
that is what i was considering 9th of nov was not outside of this world
Posted by: Ross Hardina at January 10, 2013 5:29 AM
--
Posted by: Brigida Crayton at January 22, 2013 4:52 PM
Porn streaming amateur youporn xxx
Posted by: ici at January 26, 2013 4:22 PM
You really make it seem really easy along with your presentation but I find this matter to be really one thing that I feel I would by no means understand. It kind of feels too complex and extremely large for me. I am taking a look ahead to your subsequent submit, I will try to get the cling of it!
Posted by: maçonaria iniciação at February 1, 2013 12:15 AM
I was able to find good info from your blog articles.
Posted by: Gregory Doll at February 23, 2013 11:13 PM
Excellent article. I will be dealing with a few of these issues as well..
Posted by: Janel Zavadoski at February 25, 2013 12:58 AM
Thanks for the guidelines
Posted by: Natalie King at February 27, 2013 3:12 AM
I like to surf around the online world, regularly I will go to Digg and read and check stuff out
Posted by: Tabatha Savakis at March 22, 2013 9:27 PM
Thank you for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research on this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I'm very glad to see such great information being shared freely out there.
Posted by: Ellamae Melendes at May 5, 2013 1:38 PM
Dude.. I am not substantially into studying, but somehow I obtained to endure lots of short article material together with your world wide web site. Its brilliant how attention-grabbing it truly is for me to go to you pretty frequently.
Posted by: Berenice Hencken at May 5, 2013 11:54 PM
Just wish to say your article is as amazing. The clarity for your put up is just spectacular and that i could assume you are an expert in this subject. Fine along with your permission let me to grasp your RSS feed to keep up to date with coming near near post. Thank you one million and please continue the enjoyable work.
Posted by: red label at May 12, 2013 10:14 PM
If you're still on the fence: grab your favorite earphones, head down to a Best Buy and ask to plug them into a Zune then an iPod and see which one sounds better to you, and which interface makes you smile more. Then you'll know which is right for you.
Posted by: Lorina Condino at May 19, 2013 2:05 AM