So my convocation was on Saturday. I graduated from the College at the University of Chicago outside in Chicago's cold rain. It wasn't quite as bad as it seemed. I wore a kippah, of course, and President Zimmer wished me Shabbat Shalom. That was ... unexpected. So, I am now University of Chicago Alum(nus) AB '09. (Yeah, we're weird.)
I've been reflecting on what being a graduate means to me, and what I have gained from my lengthy college experience. First, graduation is an accomplishment: I have achieved getting through the Core, the language requirement, specifications for my concentration [sic], and even the physical fitness requirement. Second, graduation marks a transition (I happen into those a lot). Graduation is a transition from a learning community in the liberal arts to the general world or specialized academia. Third, graduation is a sign not that I am done learning, but that I have amassed the tools to learn by myself, at least to some extent. Fourth, graduation indicates solidarity with fellow grads, especially when you sit through a rainy ceremony. Lastly, graduation indicates for me a triumph, an overcoming of unforseen adversity.
Congrats, class of 2009!
15 June 2009
12 June 2009
11 June 2009
Time Warp
On the train into Chicago today (which took 4 hours to Hyde Park - ridiculous), I saw a young boy who looked just about like my love did when she was that age. I listened and he sounded just like her at that age. It made me miss her more. I had to hold back my tears because I did not want to cry on the train.
09 June 2009
I Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer
The summer season (and late spring) bring much sadness into my life. The bookends of May 20th and August 4th are provided by the dates of death of the grandparents I was fortunate enough to know. In between lie many tragic events in my life. In particular, the death of my beloved, which haunts me alwaays, lies especially heavy this time of year. Today it's been too much for me to handle.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)