Member-only story
My American Life — Stories of Gratitude
Sharing stories of gratitude during a time of distress
I speak fondly about my life as a graduate student in Baltimore to friends, acquaintances, and more recently to the next generation that includes my daughter who is a member of the memorable class of 2020 (aka Covid-19 class of college graduates)!
As graduation ceremonies across the world are cancelled, I think back to the day of my own robing ceremony which was held for Ph.D. students the day before the campus-wide cap and gown event. My thesis professor, Dr. A, spoke about me to the small gathering just as his peers presented their own graduates. The day was a culmination of five years of sustained focus and hard work despite distractions and interruptions that mark every life.
I asked my professor how he could bear to send off his students every year. “That’s what our job is, it makes me happy to see you fly,” he replied.
When I connected with him via LInkedIn and wrote a thank you letter, I was not sure if he would receive it. Not only did he read, but he replied right away, thereby enhancing my respect for him even further.
Sharing an excerpt of our communication.
***
