It’s hard to believe that nearly 15 years ago I was preparing to graduate from high school, just like so many students in Pearl River County are doing this week and next.
I remember the excitement I felt when I thought about leaving home so I could move to Oxford and attend college.
Since I’m on that topic, it’s been almost 11 years since I graduated from Ole Miss.
When I was growing up, I don’t think I ever really believed my mom when she said, “Enjoy it now, because time flies the older you get.”
Honestly, I barely paid attention because I was ready to grow up and participate in adult activities.
Well, she was right. Time does not slow down because you want it to.
After more than a decade of being an “adult,” I can honestly say there are times when I wish I still had that fresh and naïve view of the world.
When I graduated from college, I was full of hope and optimism about finding my ideal career.
My 10-year-search was full of many ups and downs, broken dreams, heartaches and frustrations.
I don’t have quite the optimistic outlook I used to have, but I do know “real” world experience will not always be positive, no matter what kind of spin we put on a situation.
However, one thing never changed, I was never discouraged from my goals. I continued to work hard for what I wanted.
That’s what I hope our young graduates will learn. It’s easy to get discouraged and give up, but if you keep working hard, you will reap the benefits of your hard work.
Life does not always work out the way we planned.
Every good or bad event that happened in my life these past 11 years contributed to who and where I am now.
It wasn’t the way I planned, but I’m happy and stronger for overcoming many of those obstacles.
I would like to congratulate all of this year’s graduates and wish you all a fruitful and happy future.