Grade A Graduates

Can you remember what your graduation day felt like? With social media buzzing with pictures of happy graduates it stirs up memories of my own day of promotion when finally I was unleashed on a world that needed me and the wisdom I had gathered sitting in the classroom all those years. Not sure how, but somehow I did do a little more than just sit in class and I was welcomed as the class of 1979. Look out society, here I come.

My niece, Angela Giarratana, who is not so little anymore, is one of the graduates this 2012 graduating class has produced. Looking at the pictures text'd over by my parents, she radiates a peace that I haven't seen in her when we would gather for the holidays and family vacations. She's actually smiling and her eyes are free from the "gotta do's" of school that always awaited her back home in California. Now she get's a short reprieve before she hits it again in the bigger, more challenging environment of UCLA. But all that can wait until August. For now, she's accomplished one of the greatest crowning achievements of her young life and she deserves to be celebrated.

I think we have this one right in life when it comes to graduating from High School. The lesson is this; when you do the work and put in the sacrifice then you'll be recognized for your labors and promoted to your next challenge. It's the equivalent of the playoff series in sports, as special recognition is given to those athletes who win. Trying is honorable, but winning and completing the journey you set out on is commended. Sure, there are many more games to be played next season, but for right now it's time to enjoy your success.

When I sat in a restaurant recently I was very impressed by the young server who seemed to understand this valuable lesson of work and reward. It was rather obvious this job was not his career choice and just side work to get him by financially to cover some bills and that his real job was in the College classroom at a local campus preparing himself for his future. Yet the same heart that he put into his future was also being displayed as he served my meal, giving great attention to see to it I was taken care of. There was no problem dropping a healthy tip to this young man because he seemed to value putting in the hard work that would someday lead to being promoted.

It's young men and women like this that show me our future looks so bright. Sure, we'll always have the free-loaders that want to jump on the bandwagon of progress and demand their place just because they put in the time and tried really hard. But when it comes to advancement and promotion one must do more than just show up and try hard. This kind of success requires pulling the all-nighter to be ready for that test and pass. Miami Heat President & General Manager, Pat Riley says it likes this. "Being ready isn't enough; you have to be prepared for a promotion."

By the looks of things in my little corner of the world, I'm seeing more and more of these young adults appear on the stage of life and this year some are graduating from High Schools and Universities across America, and thus deserve to be honored. One of those bright minds is the beautiful, hard-working, Princeton Graduate, Cristina Martinez. I've known this young lady since the day she was born and watched her competitive nature push her to succeed in and out of the classroom throughout her life. Today she stands with the elite of our day. So, to all those who have successfully completed your requirements for graduation, it's time for you to take your bow and enjoy your moment in the sun. You have earned the right to be promoted and that has made so many that love you proud.

Is there a graduate you would like to honor today? Take a minute to share this blog with them and post a congratulatory comment below.