Greetings all, and congratulations to the graduating classes of 2020! With graduation ceremonies ongoing or looming over a couple of weeks, I can only imagine what graduates must be emotionalizing during this pandemic-induced, challenging times, such as:
· Few job opportunities.
· Joblessness.
· Deferred vacations.
Honestly, current times are downright challenging and scary. Scary not only for students but for parents as well. Many have saved, scrimped, and sacrificed for many years to get their children to this point of graduation. In such frightening times, many are now facing:
· Virtual graduation ceremonies offset by the pandemic.
· Limited celebratory parties with a multitude of family and friends.
· Forgo of planned get-a-ways with friends to mark the end of an era and the start of new chapters.
Perhaps, for those planning to continue higher education, those plans may have to be paused due to the uncertainty of upcoming school settings due to a possible new norm. I can only imagine the fear that has set in. As a former graduate (many, many years ago), I had similar fears; however, the circumstances were vastly different than they are now. Honestly, circumstances are drastically different than they were just six months.
Just the thought of starting a new chapter in life can be both gratifying and terrifying. I can attest to this as both a student and a parent. So many emotions run rampant during such as short cycle. It is not my intent to scare you, but this was true for me. My point is that life can be scary, but we must keep doing and moving forward. To that end, being afraid is quite normal for endings and new beginnings.
In closing, be mindful to take one day at a time and be fearless about living your purpose. Also, I extend a special salute to all graduates, their parents, and their other supporters. Lastly, if some of you still have fears of what lies ahead, I leave you with a call-to-action by AMPED: “DO IT AFRAID” and do not give up!
Best regards,
Gala D. S. Goldsmith President/CEO Be mindful: Do not give up!