Graduation Day

On Saturday Emily joined the ranks of James Madison University's graduating class of 2009. We were in Harrisonburg for the day, wishing all her classmates good fortune as nearly all of them look for employment. When I graduated nearly everyone in the class had job offers, and most had full-time employment waiting for them whenever they decided to start. But this year's class is looking for their first offer. Circumstances may not be in the favor of this year's grads, but they are determined to make something meaningful of their lives.

That is the spirit that was infectious on Saturday. You remember that graduation feeling, which included a mix of joyful at achieving something that was mostly accomplished on your own, kind of sad to leave college life and friends, at the same time a tiny bit of trepidation at entering the real world, and excitement at the same time.

The class of 2009 will be great! They will work hard and figure things out and make the most of their lives, just like we did. Congratulations!