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It Takes a Village




Troy University c/o 2017

The Ceremony 


I walked into the arena and instantly felt the vibrations from the roars of families and supporters in the stands. "Pomp and Circumstance" echoed on each side of the gym as I followed the line of graduates to our seats. My eyes eagerly searched through the sea of signs, flowers, and cheering parents as I hoped to catch a glance of my family.

I suddenly flashed back to my childhood and all of the activities my parents helped me embark in. I recall moments in my childhood where my parents’ time were taken by Corporate America or military deployments.

As a child, I did not understand the toll that disappointment can have on a person. I had my mind set on dropping out for a term in order to find a balance in my life. I made that decision my last semester of college.

This past semester was one of the toughest in my college career.  If it were not for the support and push from my parents there is no telling when I would have finished. In my four years of school, I almost lost my mother due to health complications a handful of times. There were moments when I was unsure if my family would even be together at this pivotal point in my adulthood. I allowed those ideas to cloud my optimism for a promising future. I also allowed those ideas to sway my confidence from my strengths and abilities. A month ago, I was terrified that I would not graduate or find a job in my field after college. 

The moment those arena lights hit my face I felt all of my shortcomings and disappointments vanish. As I reached my seat the image of a large cluster of supporters who were screaming my name crossed my vision as my adrenaline continued to build. 

I turned and my eyes were instantly locked in on my mother. The joy of knowing that she was there in the audience watching me cross into another stage of my life vanquished all the anxieties that loomed over me prior to.

A parent's job is never really over. I needed the support and guidance of my parents just as much in college than I did growing up. I would not have been confident enough to walk into a career fair back in April and land a entry level position in my field. I would not have had a moment as special as handing my mother my degree and saying thank you. 


LIFE TIP: 

Some of your most significant experiences happen because of the people around you, always remain humble... it takes a village to reach success!

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