I
recently read that success is defined as “the accomplishment of an aim or
purpose”. Although I think that success is truly defined by an individual’s
perception, I was intrigued to see the word “aim” used. This became even more of a “there you go”
moment with the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2014.
As
we stood on the platform presenting each student with the promised $100, I
thought about what the future held for these young people. Walking across the
stage was indeed an accomplishment for the 117 out of the 130 smiling eighth
grade students that started this journey with me. However, getting to this
stage took many different paths.
While
some breezed their way, others struggled and a few even tiptoed, barely making
it. Yet, each one received a similar
diploma and all the $100 bills looked the same.
So what was the difference? Could
it have been their aim?
The
valedictorian stated that she had been working for that moment since she was in
Elementary school. Her goal or aim of
becoming valedictorian constantly stayed on her mind. Several students mentioned their aim was a
certain college or career while other’s aim was to serve our country in a
particular branch of service. Yet some students’ aim was simply to graduate.
Now,
do I feel that one student’s aim made him or her seem more successful? If
honest, our society, would say yes. But,
you see I know some of the story’s behind the stories. Many of those whose goal
was simply to graduate did so with much adversity. A few walked across the
stage as the first family member to do so and that was truly a success. And
some of those who “breezed” through had no more ambition than those who tiptoed.
What
I do know is that we made a commitment and that commitment was kept. I also am
100% sure that our aim or purpose was to encourage and support our local school
while helping to increase the high school graduation rate. What we witnessed was the largest graduating
class in the school’s history. Did we
aim high? You bet your sweet bippy. Were
we successful? It depends if you are
looking through the eyes of the 117 or the tears of the 13.
