May 2002

I sat in his office clutching tightly onto my school notebooks with a head full of dreams. I waited patiently for my professor to share the news about my final grade. After taking time to review all of my materials, I thought he would simply hand me my final grade and I would be on my way.

Instead, he would speak words to me that afternoon that I will remember for the rest of my life…

You are about to graduate and complete your degree from one of the finest institutions in this nation Heather. But, if there’s anything you learned here or if there’s one thing you’ll remember most, let it be this:

No matter what happens in your life – whether you get married, divorced, buy a home, lose a home, obtain a job, switch careers, gain new relationships or even suffer through the loss a loved one – whatever happens in your life from this point forward, no one can ever, EVER, take away your education.

As I sat there frozen with the words ringing so true, I slowly got up to thank him and shake his hand. I was about to walk away with more than you’ll ever know from that brief encounter. He stood up, shook my hand as well and then congratulated me. As we departed, his last words before I exited that office door for the very last time was, “You just made one of the best investments you’ll ever make in your life Heather. Best of luck in all you do.”

And with that, I headed out to pick up some final paperwork to plan for my graduation ceremony with clear eyes and a full heart.

May 2013

I sat in the audience clutching onto my two kids with a head full of dreams. I waited patiently for my husband to walk through those double doors.

Within moments, I saw him. And my children were there to witness it, too.

It may have taken my husband 20 years to finish his degree, but he finally did it.

And when all of the pomp and circumstance was over, the first words I spoke to him?

Whatever happens in your life from this point forward, no one can ever, EVER, take away your education. You just made one of the best investments you’ll ever make in your life.

And with that, my kids and I kissed and hugged him and shared a million congratulations – all of us, with clear eyes and full hearts.