College, High School, even Eighth Grade graduations are a time for student joyous celebration and hopeful dreams of what is yet to come. They are also, or could be, an opportunity for reflection. To think about the challenges faced and overcome, the influences of professors and teachers, the guidance from parents, the friendships made and lost, and the chance to give pause on how one has grown and matured.

            For parents, these ceremonies are highlights of youthful journeys. At such events, one may well recall one’s own pathway to adulthood. And, perhaps impart some gained wisdom onto one’s at-home or off-to-conquer-the-world progeny.

            Farther back in time, my parents experienced graduation and received guidance for themselves and their peers. “The American’s Privilege” was one such offering. Another from Charles M. Schwab was, “The difference between getting somewhere and nowhere is the courage to make an early start. The fellow who sits still, and does just what he is told, will never be told to do big things.”