May 17, 2002 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer

Graduation is approaching.  A major milestone in the lives of 25 young people in Alix.  It marks the final sentence in the chapter of their  secondary school lives and the beginning of the next chapter..  These young people are about to cross the threshold from youth to adulthood.

   Graduation is an exciting time, and yet, a time of fear and trepidation.  Now what do I do?  What if I make the wrong choice?  Do I have to make a choice now?  I don’t know what I want to be ‘when I grow up,’ so now what?  I don’t want to grow up!!  The questions are plentiful, and the answers seem to be in short supply.

   It has been 11 years since I walked across the MACC stage in September and accepted  my high school diploma from Mr. Rutten.  Graduation was the last time our whole class was together, as many of us had already gone our separate ways - university, college, or jobs.  A lot has changed since that night. 

   To the students graduating this year I’d like to share some thoughts…

• Listen to your heart - it does know the answers, if you take the time to listen.
• If you truly believe in your dreams, you will accomplish them, and more.
• If you trust that circumstances will work out, they generally will - doors will open that were previously closed and plans and  details will fall into place.
• Remain open to the opportunities around you - opportunities for growth and learning, as well as for fun and adventure.
• Remember...people are always more important than things.
• And...money is not the most important object in the world - it can’t buy the things that really matter in life.
• You can handle anything life throws at you (even computer viruses!) if you take it one small step at a time.
• You don’t have to know it all, have it all, or be it all right now - delayed gratification is a good thing.
• Make sure you take lots of  time for rest and fun so that life doesn’t overwhelm you.  Laughter is the best medicine!
• Smile at everyone - it’s free and you never realize the impact you have on the lives of other people.
• Be yourself - that is all that is really required of you in life.
• Life is short and fleeting, so do what you can, with what you have, where you are, while you can. 

   Most importantly, you must learn day by day, year by year, to broaden your horizon.  The more things you love, the more you are interested in, the more you enjoy, the more you are indignant about – the more you have left when anything happens. (Ethel Barrymore)

Congratulations to the MAC graduating class of 2002!  May you all be successful in your future endeavours.

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12RjKAOZuY7XSdQpLMoyvhSia43mbyKz5/view?usp=sharing

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.

May 3, 2002 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer

Happy Birthday to...ME!  Yes, it’s true.  I’m another year older, and hopefully wiser.

   I read once that we should never make New Year’s Resolutions, but rather, we should be making Birthday Resolutions.  Apparently the success rate for keeping Birthday Resolutions is vastly higher as there are no hidden expectations that you’ll ever break them.  As well, most people generally become more contemplative around their birthday, thus making it a logical time to think about your life and any changes you’d like to make.

   As I celebrate this milestone birthday (29th), I am taking a moment to look back at my past, considering my present and looking forward to my future - now that my final exam is written and my income tax forms are completed and sent in (before the deadline)!!

   As I look into my past, I reflect on various memories - good and not so good.  When I graduated from high school I never imagined that one day I would be working in Alix, and, even harder to imagine, enjoying it!  I didn’t anticipate it would take me 10 years to complete my B.A. degree.  I have had to struggle with many years of personal illness, a struggle which has made me a stronger person both mentally and spiritually.  Every day I am getting healthier.  While I have no real regrets, I certainly didn’t foresee that I’d still be single when I turned 29.

   As I look at my present life, I can honestly say that at this time last year I never dreamt that my life would look like it does now.  I have a great job at the library which I love.  In addition, I am having so much fun putting out the paper - the fulfillment of a dream that I had stored in the back of my mind for years.  I have many friends, and the opportunity to meet lots of wonderful people through my jobs.  I not only have plenty to keep me occupied, but oodles of free time to just sit and read, or do nothing! 

   At this moment, my future is a blank piece of paper, full of endless possibilities, opportunities, and many, many books still to be read!  I could resolve to start a regular exercise program in the coming year...but that sounds like way too much work!   On the other hand, a resolution I could make and keep (if I don’t pick a specific deadline) is to complete some long overdue craft projects.  I plan to continue studying and complete my Master of Library Science degree (though not by the time I turn 30 - as originally planned).  I pray that my future includes a husband and children (that should effectively dispel the myth that I’m a die-hard career woman!).  I hope to continue to contribute to the community in various capacities, and have a positive impact on the lives of others around me, either directly, or more indirectly through the paper.

   All in all, as I enjoy my special day, I have to say that I am where I want to be and doing what I want to do.  I am happy and at peace with my life and that is the absolute best birthday present in the world.

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MhMoJuea-3KrRFEA_ybJD-In5VXzXxRN/view?usp=sharing

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.