Graduation is a significant life event for anyone. Whether graduating from associate's program or earning a major certificate, graduation is an accomplishment worth commemorating. In the United States, about 57% of the population between the ages of 3 and 34 are enrolled in some form of instruction. Whether attending nursing school, medical school, or middle school, these individuals are taking action toward a brighter future. Of this 57%, only some will actually complete high school and then of course postsecondary institutions as well. In 2009, 8.1% of High School Students dropped out of class before graduating. Of those who had started out as Freshman in the class of 2006, around 75% graduated. When observing Postsecondary Schools, the percentage of pupils who graduate are even smaller. In 2001, 38% of eligible students of 2 year institutions graduated together with 65% from 4 year establishments. This shows that it takes hard work and determination to achieve an education and this is why we should commend those who see it through. A friend of mine recently tranferred from Rhode Island to Colorado to complete his education in a very different part of the country. He is lucky enough to attend a university with a few campuses across the county which allows him to transfer his credits freely from one state to the next. He did not move because he was unhappy with the campus in Rhode Island or in order to find a new social scene. His only reason for moving to Colorado was so that his family in California could go to his graduation ceremony. My friend is from a large Mexican family and he is the first among them to graduate from university. For his family this is a huge accomplishment. He will not only be surrounded by loved ones and lots of great food, but he can anticipate the charity of gifts. Gift giving is an important part of any graduation celebration, because it gives family and friends an opportunity to tell the graduate that they are proud of them. Giving gifts is a way of showing that you support what the graduate is doing for their future as they arrange for their future. As the graduation season approaches, consider the significance of the words “Congratulations!” Whether said with money, expensive presents for a future career, or a custom made Chateau Ste Michelle Riesling Wine Basket, recognition for a job well done means just as much as the self satisfaction a graduate gets from their accomplishment. 
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Say Congratulations Graduates!
Thinking About What A Dad Likes
Did you know that Father's Day has officially only been around since 1972. It took 4 presidents and a Maine senator to eventually make it an official holiday. Mother’s Day had been around for almost 60 years by then. Sonora Smart was the first person to propose Father’s Day to celebrate her Father who was left to raise his 6 children when his wife died giving birth to their 6th child. It was then proposed to complement Mother’s day in celebrating fatherhood and male parenting. Today Father's Day is celebrated on a wide variety of dates around the world and typically involves giving gifts, extraordinary dinners to dads, and family-oriented activities. To help in support of Father’s day young members of the YMCA went to church sporting a rose: a red rose to celebrate a living father, and a white rose to recognize a deceased one. Oddly enough enough Father's Day was in danger of disappearing from the calendar while Mother's Day was met with eagerness, Father's Day was often met with snickering. Not all fathers are alike! 