Graduation. College graduation. There's something oddly heart-wrenching about seeing your students don their caps and gowns, ready to take on the world, while you're left wondering where the time went. These students have become friends. They have let me into their lives: the joys, the struggles, sadness, laughter, and ideas. What an honor.
But I get it. Back in my college days, I was a walking bundle of questions, both deep and, let's be honest, occasionally silly. I craved mentors who'd take me seriously, who'd entertain my existential crises with a straight face. The result? God provided me with amazing adults in ministry, academics, and the business world who helped shape and mold me. And by molding me, not into something they thought I should be, but something between the Lord and me. I grew in leaps and bounds.
So, it’s no wonder when people ask me the best part of my job I always say, ‘the students’. Here we are. Two weeks out from grad. I watched my students march off into the great unknown, a mix of pride and melancholy washed over me. They're off on their grand adventure, blissfully unaware of the challenges. They're leaving behind the cozy cocoon of campus life, where community, friendship, and mentors abound. It's like watching your favorite characters leave the safety of their fictional world—you know they'll be fine, but dang, you'll miss having them around.
And let's talk about summers, shall we? Back in my elementary school teaching days, we practically lived for those sunny months of freedom. But now, as a college professor, summers just feel like a countdown to August. I catch myself eagerly awaiting the return of bustling campus life, where every day brings new faces, new stories, and the occasional existential crisis to tackle. So here's to the end of an era and the beginning of a new one—may our paths cross again, dear graduates, and may your journey be as wild and wonderful as you are. AND Thank you. You know who you are- thank you for pouring into my life, for your curiosity, and for your constant encouragement.
–
Dean Beatty
May 11, 2024
