The closing of one chapter...

The 2013 spring semester is now coming to an end. After all of the studying, group projects, papers, presentations, finals, and one of the rainiest springs that Chicagoland has ever seen, the days of summer couldn't come any sooner.
Some GSU students, including myself, will be spending the summertime taking a break from classes and recharging before coming back in the fall semester. It's nice to have a period of relaxation or to simply have some fun to unload stress. Just remember to keep your focus and drive intact so that when you come back to school you hit the ground running. Other students will utilize the summer courses offered at GSU to tackle new subject material in order to get closer to receiving their degree in the shortest amount of time.
There are some GSU students, however, who will have the most extraordinary summer experience of all of us. There is nothing like the feeling of achievement and starting a new chapter in life. For those of you who will be walking across the stage that signifies the accomplishment of completing the curriculum required to practice in your field as a professional (or graduation as some call it) to you I offer the deepest congratulations. I believe that education is one of the few things that can offer true freedom, peace, and prosperity to the members of our society. The pursuit of education enables individuals to provide for themselves and their families, to challenge processes in order to improve them, and to widen their breadth of overall knowledge. Those who make the commitment and earn their Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate's inspire others to follow in their footsteps. GSU graduates of 2013, I not only congratulate you, but I also offer my gratitude for doing your part and changing the world - through one person at a time.
As finals approach and stress levels begin to rise, try to keep in mind that we are all coming to a close of one chapter, and embarking upon the beginning of a new one. If you really think about it, those are always the best moments in the story.