From: "Donnette S. Smith"
From: "Donnette S. Smith"
Subject: Kimberly's column
Date: Fri, 25 May 2007 10:27:52 -0600
My granddaughter, (Cynthia's daughter) writes a weekly column in an
Idaho Newspaper. This is this week's. Love, Donnette
May 25, 2007
Celebrate! By, KIMBERLY OTTLEY
I was surprised at the emotions I felt as I glanced out the glass doors of the
dark library and watched the line of blue-clad graduates preparing for a
processional. The year was 1994, and by all rights I should have been
wearing a cap and gown as well. I had successfully completed the
requirements for an associate degree at Ricks College, but instead of
attending the graduation ceremony I had volunteered to work the Saturday
shift at the David O. McKay library.
Michael and I reconciled ourselves to the situation, and convinced
ourselves it was no big deal. We didn’t need to march. What a bother!
When my maternal grandparents inquired about graduation, and I
explained how our lack of funds prevented us from participating, they
offered to pay for the caps and gowns themselves. We declined the offer
on the grounds that the deadline for ordering caps and gowns had passed,
and, besides, we didn’t want to go through all the fuss anyway.
And so there I stood. After spending a quiet morning floating among the
aisles of the reference department I had turned off the lights in the library,
and was making my final preparations to return home. It was at that
moment that my eyes met those of a smiling, blonde graduate. She and I
had gone to high school together. Our brief gaze filled me with
depression and regret. I imagined that she pitied me for not being part of
the shimmering sea of laughing young people.
On that day I made a pact with myself that I would complete my
bachelor’s degree no matter what, and when I did, I was going to wear
the outfit! I learned a valuable lesson. Human achievement must be
celebrated! It is an insult to the human spirit to treat accomplishment with
indifference.
Each success is fuel for the next challenge.
I have been the recipient of more than one graduation announcement
during the past few weeks. Many of my former students have recently
become high school graduates as well. It is with great pleasure that I
extend congratulations! May your celebrations be worthy of your
achievements!
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