“Often when you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.” That quote is from Mr. Rogers, and I find it strangely comforting as I struggle with so many thoughts approaching graduation. Fortunately, I had the financial support of the Pennsylvania 60+ College Advantage program, so college debt is not one of them this time. 

I say “this time” because my English degree will be my third degreed course of study. My original two were accounting and business administration and were earned well before most of you reading this were born.

Both of those degrees afforded me an opportunity to achieve success, but I remember how anxious I was about the debt incurred in gaining that opportunity. I suspect many of you have that same sense of doubt as you count down the final days of your college career. Adding the uncertainty of what the future holds creates an almost debilitating feeling of misgiving.  

Well, as is said, “I know a few things because I’ve seen a few things,” and my experience allows me to assure you it is worthwhile. There are statistics galore in support of future earning power being tied to education, so I won’t bore you with more. 

What I will say, however, is I hope financial success is not your ultimate goal. What you’ve accomplished is so much more important than dollars and cents. Even if your career steers you into a field not of your chosen major, and for many it will, it was still worth the struggle and investment. 

Accounting afforded a comfortable living, but I had more pleasure in four years of studying poetry on my English journey than in 45 years of accounting. Good luck my fellow graduates and know my wish for you is that same joy.

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