VALDOSTA —
Hundreds of students will graduate this weekend from Valdosta State University and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.
That’s hundreds of more people entering the job market. Hundreds of new faces looking for work in the face of a stark economy.
In the past, a secondary education assured employment. It ensured the possibility of promotion and the opportunity of a good career.
A degree can no longer make these guarantees.
The degree is fine, but remember, hundreds of other students possess a new degree this weekend, too.
Yet, it does offer the hope for a better job. It creates an invitation to a possible career. It serves as an edge over the competition.
A degree remains a solid weapon in the job-seeker’s arsenal, but it is no longer a heat-seeking missile to employment. It must be accompanied by other tools and skills. It must be forged by drive and desire.
Work ethic has become the mantra of most employers in this new age. Arrive on time. Work diligently. Dress for success. Be efficient. Be an innovator. Listen. Offer ideas. Keep learning. Don’t just work for the pay you receive, work for the pay you would like to make. Make your work your song then sing it well.
Still, do not misunderstand, we by no means disparage a degree. We by no means underestimate the worth of such an achievement.
By earning a degree, graduates reveal they can complete a task. They have proven they can succeed at completing the projects they love as well as the ones they abhor.
Earning a degree deserves sincere congratulations for all of your hard work, but, graduates, please remember, the work now begins anew.
What We Think
Life by degrees
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Thoughts on graduation
Graduation ceremonies reflect how life marches on. For the students receiving their diplomas and degrees, graduation is a culmination of the majority of their lives’ work.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Dr. John Gaston, retiring dean of Valdosta State University’s College of the Arts. For the past 10-plus years, Gaston has worked to build a more interconnected program with various artistic and communications departments working together. Given that you are likely to see one College of the Arts department collaborating with another during events is proof of Gaston’s success.
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On the go this weekend
Take a breath.
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Sharing the roads with motorcycles
With the recent pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, the number of motorcycles on area roads has increased.
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Thank your local law enforcement today
Today, May 15, was designated Peace Officers Memorial Day back in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy was in office.
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Visit musical roots this weekend
Beginning Saturday, May 18, Nashville, Ga., will be hosting a special Smithsonian exhibit, “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music.” The exhibit will continue through the end of June and Nashville has done a tremendous job in promoting and planning for the exhibit.
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Happy Mother’s Day!
A few years ago, a television commercial asked, Who first believed in you? Many folks may have instinctively answered by simply saying, Mom.
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Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To mail workers, volunteers and food bank staff for gathering food for the annual Stamp Out Hunger postal food drive today. A plastic bag designated for canned goods and other non-perishable food items should have arrived in your mailbox earlier this week. If you haven’t already, take a few moments to fill the bag with food and hang from your mailbox. If you didn’t receive the special Stamp Out Hunger bag, any plastic bag filled with food will do. This food drive helps feed thousands of South Georgians annually. Valdosta-Lowndes County often donates more food than nearly all other cities and counties in Georgia.
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Celebrating nurses
She is considered the founder of modern nursing so it seems only natural that National Nurses Week would include Florence Nightingale’s birthday.
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Helping the hungry: Mail it in!
Valdosta-Lowndes County continues revealing its generous spirit.
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Thoughts on graduation
