I work with a high school part time as a speech and debate coach, so every year I coach all of the speakers at graduation. I also get to set on stage during the ceremony with faculty. For twenty five years now, I have donned the robed of a PHD, and walked with pomp and circumstance across the stage of academia. This year, I got to grab my youngest just after she received her diploma and give her a big hug. I have gotten to do this with all of my kids, and it is my biggest motivator through those rough patches in the academic road with them; "I have worked all of these years with that school to be able to hug you on stage at graduation. You're not giving up."
This year, being my last from my loins, and hearing the above for all of her 18 years, "she broke down on stage, causing me to choke up a little." But, then we quickly recovered for a photograph.
She has won a full tuition ride in cosmetology, receiving the highest award of being a paid spokesman for the school for two years. She will spend her time outside of class, going to schools to promote the school, she will be on TV, and get paid travel abroad to study. She has been working with our local film union as a make-up artist for select movies filmed in our area, and she has aspirations to run a company to handle make-up for film and TV.
So, here is the proud Papa and his pride and joy.
Thank you for indulging me in this moment.
This year, being my last from my loins, and hearing the above for all of her 18 years, "she broke down on stage, causing me to choke up a little." But, then we quickly recovered for a photograph.
She has won a full tuition ride in cosmetology, receiving the highest award of being a paid spokesman for the school for two years. She will spend her time outside of class, going to schools to promote the school, she will be on TV, and get paid travel abroad to study. She has been working with our local film union as a make-up artist for select movies filmed in our area, and she has aspirations to run a company to handle make-up for film and TV.
So, here is the proud Papa and his pride and joy.
Thank you for indulging me in this moment.