It’s graduation time again, and this year has a special meaning for me because my son is actually graduating from high school. It’s hard to believe that little baby I held in my arms (in what seems like just yesterday) is a legal adult on a path to his own future.
It’s funny that commencement ceremonies always seem to represent the end of something to me. It seems odd that the word “commence” means “to begin.” It’s like when your child starts kindergarten: It’s bittersweet Gone are the days of “Blues Clues” and playdates. But on the other hand, you look forward to what he or she will accomplish and the freedom you gain by having someone else in charge for a while.
I for one feel like I have spent my entire lifetime worrying about my son’s grade point average, pushing him to take the right classes, and trying to hack into his MySpace page. Now that I can no longer micromanage his life, this newfound free time has surprisingly given me a great sense of relief.
Now it is his turn to worry. It’s time for him to return those ACT and SAT books he checked out of the library and start thinking about what lies ahead. Books like “Debt-Free College: 79 Secrets for Successful College Financing” and “The College Student’s Guide to Eating Well on Campus” seem like good choices to me.
The Anderson Public Library has lots of stuff to help all sorts of people decide their future. For those graduates who wish to forgo higher education and start working on their career there are books like, “What Color Is Your Parachute?” “50 Best Jobs for Your Personality” and “Athlete’s Guide to Career Planning.” For those of you who are undecided, come in and jump on the Internet and scope out some college campuses or career sites. Whatever your choice, we have something for you, we even have books you can read just for fun.
Susan Eldridge is Anderson Public Library’s community relations associate.
Columns
Related Photos
Discussion
AT THE LIBRARY: An end, and a new beginning
- Columns
-
-
Verna Davis: Church and state — separation or silence?
It’s time we realize, as Charles J. Chaput says, that “exiling religion from civic debates separates government from morality...That road leads to politics without character.” It’s time we realize that it’s time to speak up. The future of our country depends on our doing just that.
-
Heather Bremer: Can Smith cash in on another Big Willie Weekend?
After yet another four-year break, Will Smith once again ventures into waters of the summertime box office with today’s debut of “Men in Black III.” Luckily for Big Willie, it’s the first weekend in ages that won’t be ruled by “The Avengers” … probably.
-
Susan Miller: Looking for a summer vacation vocation
Summer vacation is often a synonym for summer vocation, particularly for teenagers.
-
Jim Bailey: Amazing races keep things lively for family in May
Used to be when you spoke of a race in May, the Indianapolis 500 came to mind. For our family this year that will be an afterthought.
-
Primus Mootry: The Great Divide continues in the U.S.
Last Saturday, at a South Carolina GOP fundraiser attended by a thousand people, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., labeled President Barack Obama as the most “divisive figure in modern American history.” Sen. Rubio is certainly entitled to that opinion, but that’s all it is — an opinion.
-
Emmett Dulaney: Today’s actions hurt tomorrow
I have no recollection of why, but for some reason when we were kids my brother could not stand Catfish Hunter.
-
Bill Stanczykiewicz: Managing disagreements can be teens' gifts for Mom and Dad
New research suggests that teenagers who are allowed to disagree with their parents are more likely to resist negative peer pressure and avoid dangerous behaviors such as drug and alcohol use.
-
Scott Underwood: Good news plays role in journalism
The refrain from readers is almost constant in the careers of serious community journalists: You guys print too much bad news and ignore the good news.
-
Charo Boyd: Social Security serves wounded warriors, families
It’s an American tradition to pay tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces each Memorial Day — especially honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country.
-
Maureen Hayden: Readers say it best in response to column about primary
In a recent column, I posed a question about why only 19 percent of Indiana’s 4 million voters cast a ballot in the May primary. I promised not to chastise anyone who would ’fess up to not voting.
I’ll keep part of the promise: I won’t do the scolding, but will let someone else heap on a bit of shame. - More Columns Headlines
-
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
Neighbors of Etan Patz's Suspect: It's Shocking
Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
Raw Video: Bride Who Faked Cancer Released
