Day 4 - 122 -- Preparations Begin

Today was all about getting ready. Preparations are underway for the weekend festivities of convocation. We update the research posters in the hallways to show those of the graduating research students. The bulletin boards are updated with photos and achievements of the past year, with an emphasis on those in their final year. Each of these are things that parents and friends and family members love to see on display. Many other activities are happening behind the scenes to ensure graduation lists are complete, meetings to award degrees  occur, celebrations for award winners are held, and many smaller fun gatherings occur. Parents and family members will begin to arrive starting tomorrow. Traffic picks up noticeably and restaurants will be filled with visitors to town. Locals generally wait until next week <smile>.

Every year, this reminds me of the many previous years I've attended as a faculty member. It also brings to mind the times I graduated and walked across the stage as part of the closure needed to move on to the next chapter. I see the excitement in students and family members similar to that I've experienced in the past -- facial expressions that run the gamut. Preparing to celebrate the ends and the beginnings is something we should all do more often. It doesn't need to be a huge event, but just to take time to celebrate the small things that we encounter helps us to acknowledge hurdles and milestones passed.

Tonight we also celebrated our contracted faculty who are moving on to their next career phases -- another ending that holds beginnings. Reflecting on the events of the day, a few lines from the chorus of a song came to mind in all its Motown glory. It reminded me of the Girl Guide motto -- Be Prepared <smile>.  Enjoy!

Get Ready -- The Temptations