In May, Ivy Tech celebrated as another class of students graduated.
We have had to modify so much of our lives during the pandemic, including how we honored our graduates. This year, we had a virtual graduation ceremony on YouTube along with an outdoor celebration in the parking lot.
Despite the unusual format, it was still full of pomp and circumstance. It was great to celebrate their accomplishments.
I admire our graduates. It is no surprise that I learn as much from them as they do (hopefully) from me.
I learned from Ivy Tech students that it is never too late in life. As long as you are above ground, if something is important to you, there is a way to get it done. It may take some reimagining or differ from what most people consider the usual path.
The path less traveled still gets you to your destination and sometimes it’s a better journey. Who is to say what is normal or the best route anyway? Leaders, innovators and the brave aren’t interested in doing things the traditional way.
These graduates overcame obstacles to get their degrees. That included many challenges I never had to face as a student. I applaud their tenacity.
They ignored those who told them they couldn’t do it. Some students were returning to the classroom after many years away. Not only did they have to study hard and complete their coursework, they also had to balance the demands of a job and family obligations. And they did all of that in the midst of a pandemic.
I admire our students’ commitment to better their lives. But it is so much more than that. I have heard many of them talk about how they want to improve their families’ lives, too. They want to set an example for their children by getting an education. They want to make their parents proud by being the first college graduate in their family. That example can improve an entire family’s trajectory for generations.
The graduates want to give back to their communities, too. While some will continue their education or careers far away from the 812 area code, many will stay in their neighborhoods, bringing with them new expertise and skills. Whether they start a new business or serve on a school board or donate money from a better income, they are the rising tide that will lift us all.
Students in my classes want to serve as nurses, pastors, teachers, and builders of all kinds. To them, a degree is so much more than joining the workforce and paying taxes. They want to give back.
They don’t want to find success just for themselves and then simply pull the ladder up behind them. Their dedication to their families and community is proof of that. They want to lend a hand and lift up others, too.
I think we are seeing too much of an unwillingness to help others in the 21st century. We hear or see the same refrain…"what’s in it for me? Why do I have to sacrifice for others? Once I have mine, why do I need to help others make their way too? Why should I care if anyone else is healthy, safe, or prosperous?"
It’s an old idea. Perhaps John F. Kennedy said it best during his inaugural address, “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” It’s a message and a lesson that needs repeating. It’s a lesson I learned again — from my own students.
Aaron Miller is one of The Republic’s community columnists and all opinions expressed are those of the writer. He has a doctorate in history and is an associate professor of history at Ivy Tech Community College — Columbus. Send comments to [email protected].
