Business Grad Reflects On Why he is Grateful Amid a Pandemic
This week was what would have been the final chapter of my undergrad. Although I finished school in December, I was planning on walking during the commencement ceremony this past week.
For obvious reasons, our in-person celebration was postponed. While this is not ideal by any stretch, I am glad that this incident took place now as opposed to years ago.
Since finishing school, I have spent most of this quarantine learning new soft and hard skills to become a better and more educated friend, partner, son, and citizen. I have dedicated myself to finding routines and adopting mindsets, principles, and values that I can proudly live by.
Had I graduated a year ago or earlier, and this pandemic ruined what was rightfully MY day to celebrate, I would have been crushed. I would have isolated myself and suppressed my obvious displeasure with the inevitable circumstances that plagued the entire world. This usually would trickle down into more serious issues that lasted weeks.
However, as this happened presently, I found myself adopting an entirely different attitude. As @charitycorinn was taking pictures of me, I found myself looking around. The tension between the social distancing practices and wanting to celebrate with my fellow graduates was evident, but it was not destructive of my mood.
Instead of sulking and drowning in a somber state of self-pity, I found myself grateful. Grateful that @csuf still allowed us to take pictures on campus. Grateful that I had someone to take photos of me at short notice, grateful that I was able to look presentable.
Grateful that I was able to finish school despite the many times I thought I couldn’t make it. Grateful to sail beyond the sea of self-doubt and graduate into the sea of endless opportunities before me as I enter this next chapter of my life.
I’m hoping that those that feel disappointment and anger can resonate with this message and shift their focus to being grateful instead of sadness.
While the book hasn’t officially closed yet, I am a thankful, proud, and inspired Titan forever. The class of 2020 will always be remembered. And I’m glad I can be apart of it. 🎓 @ the College of Business and Economics, Cal State Fullerton
Now that’s a growth mindset. Enjoy the journey!