I am always inspired when I see people attending their graduation day. After all of their studies and exams it is now time to honour and celebrate their achievement; often with proud parents, family or friends. It is usually colourful too with the extra effort that the graduand and their guests have made to look well dressed for this special occasion.
 
Living in a university City I always enjoy the days when the ceremonies take place, people walking down the High Street towards the cathedral, where the ceremonies take place, then walking back along the side of the river, now as graduates.
 
On this day it was wonderfully sunny, the spring air fresh and a delight to see so many happy people. Each gown, hood and cap combination indicating what level of degree and which school had been attended at the university.
 
In America this is called the Commencement Ceremony – the start of the next phase of someone’s life and career.
 
It is a time to reflect on what has been achieved, remember the scarifies and struggles, the learning, the meeting of new people, new experiences, growing as a person in knowledge and more. To thank those who have been there for us, supporting us, taking some of the strain during the long days and nights and tougher moments. It is also a time to look to the future, the opportunities.
 
All too soon the gown taken off, the academic scroll filed away, or displayed on the wall. The books, study notes, files placed on shelves or in a cupboard.
 
At best this is the start of a life of learning - at worst this becomes the end of the educational voyage.
 
As I reflect on the many people I have met through my work, especially the people I have met in workshops with clients, I am always delighted to be challenged and discuss ideas that surface. It helps me grow too as I will learn or need to research the answer to a valuable question. It keeps me curious.
 
One of the points of learning that has most surprised me is the learning about ourselves. The way we can change through life. The choice made by a few to return to formal study later in life, or for a career change after realising the job they had been doing was no longer where they saw their future.
 
The power of Insights Discovery and the unique Profile providing a timely catalyst to review, take stock, refocus. I have used the Profiles to help many reach informed decisions for the degree they choose, or to help guide someone when it is clear that whilst good at what they do it brings little joy.
 
I do hope the people in the picture have enjoyed their studies, had a very enjoyable graduation and will continue enjoying formal learning throughout life. Our access to education is one of the wonders of our world yet sadly denied to many in other parts of the world.
 
So, as you look at the picture, with the gowns billowing in the breeze, when was the last time you embraced some new formal learning – even if not to degree level?
 
My best wishes,
 
Peter