4 years ago...

I remembered today that I graduated from Shenandoah University exactly four years ago. In a way it seems like more time has passed than four years, but then so much has happened in that time. My graduation was a huge deal to me because it closed a chapter in my life (that was probably filled with too much studying) and allowed me to enter full time into the workforce. Graduation also meant that I would have different duties, and as I majored in accounting, I would be starting to study for the CPA exam. Looking back, I'm not sure if I should have made such a big deal about graduation. Yes, it is a recognition of accomplishment, but that day is done and over with, and the knowledge you acquired is more important than the day.

I have a friend from church who is graduating this May, and to her graduation is more signaling the ending of studying versus a great accomplishment. She and her husband are also expecting their first child this August, so they do have more to focus on, but her perspective on graduation started me thinking. If I could turn back time and redo my graduation, I think I would approach graduation with a perspective somewhere in the middle.