This weekend was one of the best weekends I’ve had in a long time.  You see 31 years ago my mother was a junior at Southern University of New Orleans and stopped her education to be a mother to me.  I never knew she wanted to complete her studies because she had been in the hair care industry for more than twenty years, and made a career of it, but on May 10, 2008 she received a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO). 

The sun was blazing in New Orleans, the weekend was beautiful, and I had forgotten how the combination of heat and humidity can make you sweat in cracks and crevices that you had no idea existed, but I digress.  Tom Joyner was the commencement speaker and said a couple things that got my attention.  First, he reminded the graduates that this was a commencement exercise, which basically meant “the start of” or “the beginning of” another chapter in your life.  He reminded them that they were the only ones who could push themselves to the top, control their destinies, and put more zero’s behind the comma on their paychecks. 

Secondly, he told almost 400 graduates that the first money they earned after receiving their degrees would be supplied by him.  WHAT!!!, I thought, as the graduates cheered and clapped.  Yes, yes, after shaking the chancellors’ hand and receiving their degree, Mr. Joyner would hand them, each and every one of them, five big ones.  I thought to myself, “why wasn’t he the speaker at my graduation, in that New Orleans heat I could use those five dollars to get a cold drink.”  Y’all thought I meant five hundred, huh.  I know.

The second since Hurricane Katrina, this graduation was historic for SUNO because it shows that despite all of the nay saying and struggles, the University is making its way back to normalcy and it was historic for my mother because she became the third of my grandmother’s seven children to graduate from college.  I really want to emphasize how important it is for grandmothers, mothers, fathers, and anyone who has consistent contact with a child to encourage and push that child.  My mother did not grow up in the best situation, my grandmother was a housekeeper and a single parent, who did the best she could for her children, but my mother wanted something different for me, so she stopped her schooling to make sure that she was able to provide adequately for me. 

Her goal was to change a generation, so she sacrificed, invested, and put me in the company of those she wanted me to aspire to, and because of her sacrifice and investment, I was the first of my grandmothers seventeen grandchildren to receive a Bachelors degree and go on to receive a Masters degree.  She broke the cycle of mediocrity in our family line causing upcoming generations to do and become more.

So in tribute I want to not only congratulate my mother for her accomplishments, but also congratulate all other 2008 graduates, especially those older persons, the wise ones, who have raised their children, and have lots of life going on, but trudge forward because of a dream.  They do come true, but you have to do the work.

Lastly, I would just like to pass on a few nuggets of wisdom that I have learned since getting my undergraduate degree. 
 
For those high school graduates about to enter college, get involved in campus life, join organizations, and open yourself up to learning new things, not only academically, but also socially.  You will meet people from different areas of the country, with different views and upbringings.  If you are interested in a learning experience that takes you abroad or a summer internship in another state, go for it.  Would have, should have, and could have do not bring the opportunity back. 

Apply for any scholarships you can.  I know writing essays is a pain, but when you owe 20,000 and your friend owes 60,000 in student loans you will be glad you did.   Credit card companies will be on campus to introduce you to your first taste of adulthood.  The shirt or other novelty item that they are offering will be cute, but keep walking.  If you end up signing on the line, make sure that you exercise restraint, I know so many people whose credit was messed up before they even had any.

Get A Mentor.  My friends and I always say that we wish that we would have had someone to guide us through our college experience and in those beginning years afterwards.  Find someone you trust and who is living the life you see for yourself.  Let that person guide you into your destiny.  Sometimes it’s hard to know whether to make a right or left turn or go straight in life and having someone who has been there and done that on your side is invaluable.

Plan your work and work your plan.  Whether in college or high school senior year is great.  When I graduated from high school, I was so excited to start college, but when I finished college, I was ready to take a nap and didn’t have a job or any prospects.  To refer back to Tom Joyner’s words, commencement exercise is the start of, the beginning of, not the time to slack off.  Go ahead take a break, but get back out there and make it happen.

Lastly, have fun.  College will be the best four or five years of your life.  Have fun and enjoy it.  Do your work and keep your grades up, but enjoy your time.  

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