Savoring the Experience

A budding graduate student recently shared a dilemma with me that he is having. It pertains to a concern that he might not like the area of study he is considering and, as a result, end up having to switch majors and pursue a new academic focus. But doing so, he feared, would delay the completion of his graduate studies, thus possibly compromising the start of his own career plans. Based on the scenario as he outlined it, I could and can certainly understand his concerns. Having recently completed an academic program myself, I can relate to the desire to finish something of that nature as quickly as possible.

Having said that, however, I have come to view education much like a good wine. To get the most out of it, it should be savored. While emptying a glass of wine in one gulp might satisfy a quick need, doing so will not enable one to fully appreciate the drink's essence or taste. While I am not necessarily advocating that students should stretch out their academic studies any longer than is necessary, I do believe education is made to be savored, too. Its reward lies not in the quick fix it provides, but in the long-term benefit it provides any individual whose goal it is to have a successful career and fulfilling life.

Education parallels communication in this regard. Connections or relationships are long-term ventures. While passing someone in the hall and exchanging quick smiles and greetings might technically be classified as communicating, the reality is that this encounter in no way compares to having an actual conversation with that same person in which information and perspectives are exchanged. Granted, sometimes interactions are brief. But the ones that enhance our lives most are the ones in which we have invested time and effort. As I told the graduate student, education does nothing but make our lives better and improve us as individuals. No matter what specific academic program he pursues, enjoy the experience take pride in the effort. The same, I could have added, is true of communicating.