A Glimpse Into Your Future

5 years ago I made a decision that changed everything.

I made a decision to spend more time away from my family.

I made a decision to not have any idea what I was doing.

I made a decision to sleep less.

That decision… was to pursue my doctorate degree.

As you know, if you’ve been paying attention, recently I achieved that dream (yay!).

This past weekend, I got to celebrate that accomplishment.

So let me briefly walk you through the day, and as I do, I want you to picture yourself there, having these experiences, getting these hugs and high fives…

This can (and will!) be YOUR future!

You’ll pull up to a beautiful venue.

Before even getting inside, you’ll stop several times for pictures with your loved ones.

(Oh yeah, my picture got put on a pillar in the foyer. Wild!)

Backstage, you’ll meet old classmates from years ago and fondly remember your time together (even if the class itself was particularly challenging).

You’ll walk into the auditorium to music while the entire arena cheers and claps for you.

You’ll look for your family so you can find them later, during YOUR moment (which can be a bit of a struggle if the venue, like mine, didn’t have cell service!).

You’ll hear speeches, some better than others, and whisper small talk to your neighbors (this was tricky for my because I somehow got a seat in the very front row!).

Finally, they’ll summon you to stand and walk over to the side of the stage.

Any boredom that you may have had previously is instantly gone.

Your heart is racing, your adrenaline is pumping.

Hopefully you still have your name card (I lost mine for about 15 minutes, but luckily when we stood up I found it under my chair!).

You get to the side of the stage. You can see the lights pointed at you. You take a deep breath and remind yourself to not rush through the moment.

Your name is called!

Suddenly you’re confidently striding across the stage.

(You’re confident because YOU EARNED THIS!!!)

You find your family (because you spotted them earlier) and point to them as you walk up to center stage.

The Dean is there smiling. He hands you a rolled-up mock degree. You take a picture.

Then it’s back off the stage, maybe stealing a hug or two with a faculty mentor or advisor that helped you along the way.

Then it’s back to your seat. Pictures with friends. Whooping and hollering all around.

The college president goes to microphone and congratulates you. Your degree is now conferred, you are officially a graduate.

Afterwards, a blur.

Everyone walking in every direction. More pictures with friends, your family that showed up later but made it in time to see you walk.

All of this is in your future.

It is.

All you have to do is keep going.

I’m sure glad I did.

And I’ll be here with you every step of the way.

From Visa to Victory.

Dr. Josh