Six Degrees of Proud for my College Graduate Galen
I watch my first-born glide across the stage to accept his college graduation certificate. Big goofy smile reminiscent of his old “Did you see that kick?” glances at us ever-attentive parents shivering on the soccer sidelines, he bounds over to the President and gives him a full hug instead of a handshake. Then just like that, his moment on the stage is over, with nary a fret nor a strut, to be heard plenty more as the future yawns eagerly for him to fearlessly splash in with both big feet.
My pride in this amazing human extends far more than the specific degree (BA in Psych, Minors in Community Engaged Learning and Visual & Material Culture Studies) or institution (Mt. Allison University in New Brunswick). I believe I’d be just as proud if he’s chosen a journeyman trade apprenticeship or pre-law or Tim Horton’s Management Training Program.
What makes me proud is what I hope makes any parent proud of their unique, wonderful child:
1. Sets and Achieves Meaningful Goals
In Galen’s case, this was achieving a BA and 2 other certificates in subjects that truly interest and energize him, and move him towards a career that means something to him. He kept adjusting the goalposts based on what he was learning about the field and about himself, and got solid professional experience during summer internships. All while almost completely paying for it all through his professional photography work.
I’ll probably say this again in points below, but I sure wish I had had his clarity of vision as I meandered through a BA and then MA in a field I didn’t even fully understand (what exactly is Industrial-Organizational Psychology?!) let alone believe in. It may look like he was following in my psych footsteps, but he truly set his own compass and forged his own path.
2. Happy and Loved
If this weren’t a grad post, this would have come first. What more can we wish for our children than to be happy and loved? I see the sparkle in his eyes, the crease of his impish smile, the deep love between him and his partner (also a fabulous graduate.) The devotion of his circle of friends. The on-stage hug the president of the University gave him back, because of course the president somehow knows and loves my boy. This young man radiates happiness and draws good people close to his generous heart.
3. Hopeful about the Future
Like almost every valedictorian in history, this student speaks about the uniquely challenging times their class is emerging into (and was forged by - this is a COVID class that started freshman year in lockdown). Rather than succumbing to despair, she implores, our world needs this next generation to step forward boldly and believe that they can make a difference.
I see this in my son’s decisions - to gain more experience in therapeutic settings before returning for a Masters in Social Work, in moving with his partner to a bigger city with more opportunities (Ottawa? St. John’s?) Even the decision to work 32 hours a week instead of 40 while they enjoy a final summer in their first magical undergrad world is a statement of faith, in their belief that they can create a life on their terms and live without fear.
4. Knows How to Have Fun
This boy and his friends have a lot to teach us about balance. Why not stretch a 4-year degree by an extra semester to ease the pressure, and allow for photography work? Volunteer at the local SappyFest and other musical events. Travel down to Halifax to take photos of the national championships just for fun. Support the opening of a new drag-show club in Moncton. Relieve stress by taking bird-photography walks in the wetlands. Learn new songs on guitar, or write a few. Have the house where friends gather to eat and play games. Sing along really loud to obscure Acadian and Canadiana tunes at small-venue concerts. Travel, but not too long because it’s good to come back home.
5. Is a Good Person
My Swedish Grandma Elna was always proud of her little pojka Ricky, collecting news clippings and tracking achievements. But every time we visited, her words weren’t about those worldly ambitions; they were a simple and sincere admonishment to “Be a Good Boy.”
Yes, my boy is smart and funny and wildly creative and much more, but what a contentment to know that he is a Good Person. He cares about people - all people - and treats them well. He is loyal. He’s honest and keeps his word - he earns people’s trust. He doesn’t break any major laws that I know of.
6. Better than Me
There’s more I could add to the list. Know themselves, believe in themselves. Passionate. Secure. Financially independent. Healthy. Good cook. Helps grandma use her cellphone. Remembers to call home on Father’s Day. So many things we all wish for our children and, like me today, celebrate when they emerge as stable traits.
He is far ahead on most of these characteristics than I was at 23 (or even now), so clearly his parents had only had some incomplete influence over. But as we celebrate this milestone and this coming-of-age of a good young adult into the greater world, I hope it’s okay to sing Maria von Trapp a little quietly, “Somewhere in his youth or childhood, we must have done something good.”
In a samsaric sense, our mission is to leave the world a little better than we found it. We succeed when we father a next generation who are a little better than us. My son is a better musician, more self-aware, a downright gooder person at a younger age, already giving back to his community from a grounded, loving place. I’m proud to be his father, and the world’s a better place for Galen Razi Juliusson.
Subscribe now to get an email notification when a new post is published.
(Be sure to check your inbox to confirm your subscription.)
5 Comments
Leave a Comment
Currently in...
Philadelphia
Heading to...
Costa Rica (Monteverde) till Christmas, then Thailand (Chiang Mai), Vietnam (Hoi Ann, Feb-Mar). Please share any sites, people or ideas by email.
Yes! I was thinking about your parenting that helped form Galen into a creative, curious and independent thinker. As the saying goes, the world is your oyster. You can do anything you wish in life so use your many gifts well and go for the gold of experiences!
So very true. You and Sarah have done a great service, raising two very gooder sons. And giving them to the world, so it could have its influence too. Bravo Galen! Onward, forward, andalay.
What days these are to deeply cherish these kids ! How did I not know that Galen was graduating with Freya this year?! Beautiful too watch him grow from a distance I think you guys and mostly him, deserve to be also so proud! 💝
congratulations that is what we all hope for our kids, you are very lucky, good job mom and dad
I LOVE THIS. Gave me goosebumps, made me proud of him too.