You can call me 'Master'

Today is Graduation Day. No, not at the school where I work but at the University of Missouri in Columbia. I've finished my Master of Education degree, and I have graduated. But I am not in Columbia, Mo., today -- too expensive to go all that way just for a ceremony. Yet, today is Graduation Day.

So, today I reflect on where I have been these last two years and where I am headed as a result of the learning I have gained. The piece of paper I have earned and will receive soon is a measure of a goal achieved. I set this goal several years ago -- to have the degree by age 30. I later revised it to be started by 30. I reached that (by a few days) and have actually finished a semester ahead of the program schedule due to a course transfer. Online learning worked beautifully for me.

During the two years I studied in this program, I learned a lot about myself, saw as I changed both as a teacher and learner as well as a person, became better at what I do at the same time struggling to just get by with what I was hired to do, and became a night owl and online regular. I have gained a lot, sacrificed some and ranked this experience among my best. I am proud to be able to say I set and met my goal, that I did more than what was expected or even than was required.

Today is Graduation Day, and though I may not be in my black robe and mortarboard with light blue hood, I am there in spirit. Today, I can say I have achieved. I am happy to join the alumni of the University of Missouri, Columbia, the nation's first and finest journalism school. Some day I may even get to see the campus.

-- Wenatchee, Wash.