The Choices We Make -by Cherrie Thornton
In May I flew to Flagstaff, AZ for my oldest grandson’s college graduation. It felt like a “bookmark” in my life. The next generation of my family is growing up and moving on toward their own futures. For three days I just hung out with students and their parents; something I haven’t done in almost fifty years. I enjoyed myself much more than I thought I would. These students are great group of young adults with a whole world of opportunities before them and so full of energy and enthusiasm. They have so much of living ahead of them, though aren’t likely thinking that way, maybe more like an immediate “what’s next”.
It took me back to that time in my own life. College majors like Sustain-ability or Environmental Studies didn’t exist then. I received a BA in mathematics in 1963 and married three weeks after I graduated, which was not unusual for those times. I don’t regret it. I love my wonderful family, and later in life I had careers in computer programming and then social work in long term care. But now! Now, graduates have all these choices and paths they can follow. Their futures seem limitless.
We are leaving our future generations many difficult challenges to solve for our planet and for the people living on it. Solving these problems will be on their shoulders and I often feel guilty and sad that we’re leaving them such a mess. However, after meeting our successors, I came home feeling more hopeful about the world and the future.
But wait a minute; I’m not through yet! I still have desire and energy to get involved, contribute to family and community and pursue studies I’ve always been interested in. Being able to retire from a standard 8-5 job has been such a gift. At times I feel like I am where these students are … just not having as many years ahead of me and very aware of that. I do watch how I spend my time these days. My challenge is to make the time for what I believe now is the most precious thing and that is in connecting through relationships, with family, friends, co-volunteers. Especially family.
Cherrie Thornton grew up in New York state and Florida, where she graduated from the University of Florida in 1963 with a degree in mathematics. She was married with two sons, and now has four grandsons. After several years as a stay at home mother, she began a career of computer programming first at Oklahoma State University and then at Kodak Colorado Division. In 1994 She returned to college and changed her career path to mental health and social work with older adults. Since retirement, she has enjoyed family and friends, travel, painting, and volunteering.