Graduation

Friday the 17th September 2010 - a date that will always bear significance in my life. After four years of study, boredom, frustration, heartache and, at times, blind faith, I have graduated from the Open University. Up until last week it hadn't really sunk in what an achievement this really is. Every time someone congratulated me I was becoming more and more embarrassed and at times felt a bit of a fraud. Don't ask me why, I just did!

But sitting in the Barbican theatre in the front row, with almost three hundred other graduates behind me, listening to the applause of the guests, and the wonderful words spoken by the Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Open University - I can openly admit that I felt very proud of myself for the first time. To wear the robes and hold the degree certificate in my hand felt amazing. When I left school at sixteen I was made to feel that this was something way beyond my reach, and even just before I started my studies, one 'wise' person told me, "I've tried it - it's very hard - I'm not sure you'll manage it." Well, I guess it was just the remark that I needed to prove her and my old teachers who instilled the me the feeling of failure, that I could do it.

It's incredible how words and feelings can linger and can have a lasting effect on someone's life. Children should leave school feeling that they have achieved something and that they are going on to achieve even greater things - they shouldn't have to wait over twenty years to do so.

I know I turned 40 this year, and the old adage that 'life begins at 40' couldn't be more true. Although I have completed my studies, I have required a hunger to keep on learning. The future is very unclear right now and I have to say, I am already very bored at home, but I know God must have something exciting for me and I'm praying for the patience to wait on his perfect timing.

The one and only downside to graduating last week and not last year was that my Dad couldn't be there to see me. However, when Jessica and I saw him in hospital a few weeks before he died, he did say he was very proud of me. I can't remember him ever saying that to me before, but it's the one time I'll never forget.

Words can wound, but don't let them scar you - have the courage to aim for what you want. You may not always reach the target, but without trying, you'll never know what you can achieve.

And to my beautiful wife, Jessica, I say 'Thank you', for putting up with so much and losing out on certain things and pushing me when needed, to enable me to do this - I love you xxx