A Bout Of Passion
All Of Us
I want to start and end with gratitude.
Those of us who choose to return to study as adults do so with an added sense of responsibility. Educational success is not a mere academic exercise.
My definition of success:
An impossible deadline,
a stubborn disposition,
working with a gun to my head,
and liking it.
I will never forget the obstacles. The hardships. The events that knocked me down. The people who knocked me down. Each of us has faced dark moments and the day of peace sounds impossible… not even worth dreaming about. But worthy dreams grow even in darkness. Pay thanks to the obstacles for providing value in achievement and strength for an unknown journey full of surprises.
Greatest achievements are discovering our own self-worth and acknowledging what we have survived. The harder life’s toil, the tipping point falls back in favor of a bold and confident life force. Do not ever let anyone tell you no. Be as determined and diligent, as when resolving conflict, use those time management skills to improve… and most importantly, never stop building on those skills. Never stop learning.
Striving for knowledge allows philanthropic pursuits. Take the time to share your conversations with others and inspire them with new insight and guidance as they do with you. Reflect on your contribution to your friends and family…. and with each departure leave them in good standing.
Don't Knock Me Down!
Be able to adapt with the rapidly changing times and keep pace with advancing technology. Train your brain for intellectual agility. Research is about taking something that is broken, observe, tear it apart, and put it back together to get it running again… whether it’s a computer… or that most delicate of machinery, a person we care for. Ultimately, education allows us to become more valuable to others. But of course, our transformation should extend beyond our personal circles. We should — we must — contribute knowledge and apply our skill in society.
Many decide to get a degree to increase earning power… and there is nothing wrong with that. A life of desperation is little benefit to anyone. But the greater wealth comes from sharing and applying the skills to the world at large by the efforts of applying your education. This journey transforms the curious student to the wise advisor… (But if we’re truly wise, we’ll never stop being the curious student).
My promise of gratitude.
The Judge told me, “They can never take away your education.”
I have had success and failure, achievement and sorrow, but understanding of the world around me… no one can take that away. We all should rise to every occasion, and declare all endeavors victorious. In the very least, a foundation to stable all which is not. Enduring life’s challenges isn’t enough….being able to stand in your own truth heals the injustices.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you for these words. What can I say, except: “boy I wish I had written this. Straight from the heart, and straight on path.” Well done. Inspirational.
Thank you so much. It was inspired by a speech I heard from the late Tony Snow.This was a speech I wrote for my graduating class but I wasn’t chosen, so I decided to share it on my blog. I really appreciate you commenting on it, because it was written from a place of great effort.
Interesting story! Like the picture of the elephant!
Greetings,
Jane
We should get in touch. Are you an active user on top social networking sites like Digg, Facebook, or Stumble Upon? If so, what is your username so we can get in touch to share ideas.
Great post!