On Sunny Lane: Time Well Spent
- Editor
- Jun 22
- 2 min read
Last summer there were no special events in Sweetheart’s and my life—at least, none that I recall.
This year we have three weddings, two high school graduations and two noteworthy birthdays—so far. Some require gifts, while other honorees are happy with a card. We are just happy to be invited to join in the festivities. It’s always fun to meet new people and people we haven’t seen for a long time.
Some events require us to travel. In fact, Sweetheart and I traveled to Canada for a graduation just last week. We got to meet some new people, see some old acquaintances and reunite with family. We got to see how things are done in a different school in a different country.
Our graduate had attended a private school that was sought out by students and parents from around the world. From a class of 70 students, about 2/3 were from other countries. Yet, they blended together into a cohesive group.
The night before commencement, the school had an awards ceremony. However, the awards, instead of touting academic achievement, focused on community involvement and humanitarianism. Next day, the awarding of diplomas consisted of more than just handing a piece of paper.
As each graduate was called forth, the administrator informed the people attending of his/her capstone project and plans for the future. It seemed that the emphasis was, not so much on grades, but on preparing to be a productive member of society.
I was impressed with what they had already achieved. One person had designed an artificial intelligence that could detect eye disease. Another had been involved in a program to reduce the feral cat population.
They were headed to colleges and universities around the world. One graduate had been accepted to study design in Milan, Italy.
It appears to me that the tuition money had been well spent and these young people were ready to be productive members of society. And our time attending the event had been well spent, as well.
Dorothy is the author of two books—“Miles and Miracles” and “Getting It All Together “. You can purchase a book or send a comment by emailing her at dorothybutzknight@gmail.com