Receiving Golden Tickets
May 15th, 2008 by KristenMy grandfather, a very wise man, is one of my greatest teachers. Among the many lessons he taught me was the importance of education- he always told me that a good education opened doors and made things possible… that it was something that no one could ever take away.
As an educator, I am now in the position to teach my children that very same lesson. A few months ago, we started our career unit and I asked the students that age old question: What do you want to be when you “grow up?” I got a few professional athletes, doctors, veterinarians, and even teachers. But my favorite? The one who said he dreams of being a college graduate. At ten years old, my students do not really know what their futures hold. But the boy who dreams of that college degree knows that that is the golden ticket that will help get him wherever he wants to go.
Hundreds of men and women will receive their tickets (also known as college degrees) this Sunday, May 18, 2008 at the University of Hawaii’s 97th Commencement Exercises. I will be there watching (and cheering) as some of my friends celebrate this momentous occasion. And even though I’m not the one walking to the tune of, “Pomp and Circumstance,” I still get goose bumps when I see the pride on the faces of all the graduates, hear the inspirational commencement speech, and watch the turning of the tassel. Graduation symbolizes a lot of hard work, dedication and perseverance, and most of all, the beginning of an exciting future. Congratulations to the Class of 2008! May you use your golden tickets to redeem everything that your hearts desire!
This is actually a photo from the Winter 2007 graduation, which I attended to see my friend, Shannon, get his Masters degree! Looking forward to a similar scene this Sunday!
In the spirit of graduation, please share your favorite college memories, post-college advice, or congratulations messages here. And here’s a question for you- how has your college degree helped you achieve what you have wanted in life (I’m going to share your comments with my students, so inspire away!)?
My college degree has allowed me to spend every day working alongside dedicated professionals and friends, teaching the best people on Earth- children. Can’t beat that ticket for the biggest chocolate factory in the world.
*** Updated photos! Post-graduation 5/18/08
The program from the commencement exercises
Here’s what it looked like on our way to give leis to the graduates. It was very crowded, extremely hot, but an environment positively charged with excitement and pride!
The University had everything well organized! It was easy to find all the graduates I was looking for, and the graduates seemed to have lots of space to spread out with their friends and families
This Spring, I’m celebrating the graduation of my fantastic friend and student teacher (our students send their love!) Natalie Liu (left), who has earned a Bachelors degree in Education, and my colleague and dear friend, Sarene Oda (right), who has earned her Masters Degree in Education! She is an amazing Kindergarten teacher that I’d wish for my own child.
Tags: graduation, University of Hawaii
May 16th, 2008 at 6:48 am
I just read about a new service that matches a job seekers unique set of skills with open positions free:
http://venturebeat.com/2008/05/13/realmatch-offers-a-fresh-take-on-job-sites
Maybe it helps…maybe not.
May 16th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Thanks, Jennifer! What a great tip!
May 17th, 2008 at 10:14 am
I enjoyed this article, however I was disappointed by your use of the word “ironic.” I don’t think that is what you meant is it? It seems quite natural that you as an educator would educate children about education. I don’t see any irony in this story.
May 17th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Hi Sarah- thanks for your comment. I didn’t mean that it was ironic that as an educator I educate my children about the value of lifelong learning. You’re right about all educators doing that. Maybe I used the wrong word here… so I will take it out so no one misinterprets what I had meant… I was trying to transition between two thoughts and was just referring to my feelings of gratitude that after years of being raised where one of the most important lessons from those around me was the value of education, I actually ended up in a profession where I can spend every day promoting it. I just think I’m pretty lucky.
May 17th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Informative and enlightening Kristen. Kudos to you and the dedicated teachers at Noelani (ranked #3 in the latest Honolulu Magazine). As a UH administrator and a Manoa Mom of a Kindergartener at Noelani, I look forward to your youthful insights. Graduation symbolizes the hope for the future and your perspective on your peers’ attainment of higher education “golden tickets” is inspirational.
And I don’t really miss the Pizza Hut/Taco Bell. Delivery was actually faster than pick-up!
May 17th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Kristen, thank you for an inspirational blog on the value of education, especially in today’s face-paced world of technology and innovation.
I graduated from the University of Hawaii (bachelors and masters in elementary education) close to 40 years ago. Although receiving a solid education to secure a better financial future is indeed the primary goal of attending an institution of higher learning, we sometimes forget the other things that can be gained by going to college. For most people, college is the very first time that they are on their own and many take this opportunity to spread their wings and experience new things. For me, it was pledging for a sorority during my freshman year. Some of my pledge sisters have become my lifelong friends. We bonded over shared experiences of service projects, social interactions, and studying sessions.
Although I did not end up being an elementary school teacher as my life’s occupation, I truly believe that my college education better prepared me for life in general. My degrees also gave me a sense of pride and accomplishment and I was fortunate enough to be able to instill this same attitude towards education in my two daughers, one who did become a teacher and the other who just got her law degree.
Congratulations to all graduates of 2008….go out there and make this world a better place!
May 17th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Hi K:
C and I stumbled upon tour blog while I was looking for something else! She especially enjoyed reading about the preparations for the Big Island Trip…she was with you for it last year, and it was an amazing learning experience.
I hope more of Hawaii’s children reach for and attain that Golden Ticket- and thanks for being one of the one’s who is inspiring them. In many ways it is a sad year as my youngest graduates from Noelani, as it has been such an important part of our family.
May 18th, 2008 at 7:15 am
All of the graduates today deserve great praise for all their hard work to achieve their “Golden Ticket”. I am sure that their ticket will open many doors and pay off in many ways, as mentioned above. I am equally sure that each graduate today had many teachers along the way that inspired and motivated them to do more and achieve even greater things than they ever thought they could. So, CONGRATULATIONS to all the graduates and thank you to all their teachers that helped them along their path to the golden gates of “Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.”
May 18th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Hey Kristen…I do agree that “Graduation symbolizes a lot of hard work, dedication and perseverance, and most of all, the beginning of an exciting future.” however graduation (at any level) is not the only way to show hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I think that each individual is different. I personally love school and have this drive in me that neither, my brother nor sister, has in them. Thank you for your positive praise. Today is a very special day for many people (including myself). For some, it may have been the achievement that they never thought of completing. For some, it may have been because of the proud and smiling faces of friends and family that supported them along the way. For me, it is both. I send my CONGRATULATIONS to all the 2008 graduates across the state of Hawaii. It is definately an achievement ot be proud of.