<p>Just wanted to say a quick congrats to Calmom as she prepares to attend her daughter’s Barnard graduation ceremony (she is probably sitting in the audience as I am writing this!) today at 2:00.</p>
<p>I hope she signs on soon and tells us all about hearing Meryl Streep at today’s ceremony. For any who are interested, I believe the video of Ms. Streep’s speech will be available at C-C-Span as well as the Columbia commencement web site.</p>
<p>Calmom has been around for a few years now, always offering detailed and helpful advice. It’s an emotional and proud day for a mom…I am thinking about you!</p>
<p>Thank you so much for thinking of me! I know it has now been hours but today was not exactly a sit-in-front-of-the-computer day for us. There was the commencement followed by the reception (lots of food, champagne, and an opportunity to chat with d’s thesis adviser) – and then of course dinner out with d & friends. </p>
<p>It was an especially great day because my d. had been through a couple of rounds of interviews for a position that fits the “dream job” category for her career aspirations – and they called this morning to offer her the job. (of course she accepted). She kept the news to herself and didn’t tell her until after the graduation – so it was doubly a reason to celebrate. </p>
<p>And Meryl Streep was marvelous – funny and charming and witty and earthy and altogether a delight. (Note to future graduation planning committees: people with very strong & versatile theatrical skills make excellent and entertaining speakers).</p>
<p>We may or may not make it to the Columbia ceremony in the morning, given the weather forecast (80% likelihood of rain).</p>
<p>Oh, Calmom, that sounds wonderful! I saw a few pictures on the Barnard site and Ms. Streep did indeed seem to be so engaging and friendly, posing with some of the graduates. And congrats to your daughter on her job. That is FANTASTIC!!!</p>
<p>And I did not expect you to see this thread until maybe days later, but figured it would allow for others’ felicitations to accumulate. :)</p>
<p>I am pretty sure i would NOT want to brave the University-wide ceremony in the rain, either. Sorry about that!</p>
<p>Well, we did it anyway! It was pouring rain, but we decided to deliberately arrive at the last minute with the intention of sitting or standing in the back. I thought it was fun – everyone was out with umbrellas – the folding chairs were soaked so I didn’t want to sit down – so I found a place near the back (close to Butler) and watched from there. Since we were watching the monitors and not the podium in front of Low, I think I actually saw more than I saw of the Barnard ceremony, where we were seated near the front but off to the side. Pres. Bollinger made sure that things were kept short – dispensing with formalities in spots where he could get away with it – and all were graduated. It was cold & wet but a very wonderful time that I will cherish in my memories. </p>
<p>Now I’m off to try to find my daughter… or, barring that, maybe a cup of hot chocolate.</p>
<p>Cool! I am glad you went and experienced it! Your memories will be precious and vivid, as will ours for freezing cold one day and sunburn for the actual graduation!!</p>
<p>Thanks so much, but of course it is my daughter who deserves the congratulations. </p>
<p>My d., always efficient, walked over to the Barnard alumni office on Tuesday afternoon and picked up her Alumni Association ID card. Then we walked down to the gallery & frame shop around the corner from her apartment, so she could arrange framing – one extra little graduation gift from me. Her dad and I did insist on getting photocopies of the diploma first – so we each have our own copy as well.</p>
<p>Congratulations. Cool diploma, eh?
BTW, this is the joy of graduation for the parents: the kids do the work and we get the credit. So, is everyone off the payroll now?
I’m sorry we didn’t get to meet in person. I would have liked to meet you.</p>
<p>D is launched…but I’ll be paying off the debt from PLUS loans for awhile longer. But then again, that was part of the plan.</p>
<p>Also… with the launching of d. in 2010, I am no longer a “head of household” and I no longer have any dependents… so, according to my tax guy… IRS is going to be taking a much larger chunk of my earnings. So that “off the payroll” stuff isn’t quite that simple. ;)</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I can’t subsidize any sort of grad school or law school for my kids – so they have to figure that part out for themselves. I wish I could – but it really is beyond my means as a single parent. Since son is now married with a son of his own to look after, I think further education is completely off the table with him. The job that D. accepted has a 2 year commitment, and after that she is likely to opt for grad school or law school, but she will need to have a scholarship or fellowship to make it work. However, the job she has take is actually somewhat prestigious in herself (her position is entry level, but the others who have had it have very impressive academic credentials) – so I think it is a pretty common stepping stone to grad school, and will put her in direct contact with people who will be valuable for networking and LOR’s down the line. (Assuming she does well on the job, of course).</p>
<p>D. also feels very close to some of her profs and plans to keep in touch with them. Because of that, I think she will be an an excellent position to apply for graduate fellowships down the line.</p>
<p>OK, Mardad. that is more like what I thought. You have one more year… :)</p>
<p>Calmom, I get what you are saying about not funding grad school. We are in the same position. I am so very grateful that my d unexpectedly decided she loves the biological sciences and is in a fully funded program. </p>
<p>I am pretty confident that your d will go on to even greater things!!!</p>