My 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

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