Our friend Christopher graduated last weekend. He got his MPA (Master's of Public Administration) from UNC Chapel Hill. We were so proud of him! We went to the graduation and to a great catered lunch at the School of Government on Saturday, and then we got to have lunch with him and his family on Mothers' Day, too.
It took a lot of hard work for him to get his master's degree. And a lot of sacrifice, too. Like being brave enough to move away from family and friends to start school. And living states away from his fiancee for two years. And lots of long nights of studying. And lots of brutal hours of research and writing.
But in the end, he got a great degree from a very well-respected program in his field.
It was one of those experiences where the pieces of the experience were probably not so happy. Figuring out a new town on your own. Classes. Research. Studying. Writing. Internships. Driving back and forth long distances to visit fiancee, friends, and family.
But the whole of the experience brings a lot of happiness. A degree. Pride in an accomplishment. Relief at being finished with hard stuff. Friends and family celebrating your awesome talents and work ethic.
So, hooray for Christopher! I hope he gets to take the time to just revel in his accomplishment for a week or so! What a milestone!
What's something that brings you happiness overall, but that while you're in the midst of it, it's not actually all that happy? (For me, it's probably traveling...the actual process of traveling is so stressful to me, but the experience is always a good one when I look back on it.)
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