One Last Lesson For The Class of ‘25 (The Friday Ficks S5 E19)

I treated it like a nuisance. A speed bump between me and a college friend’s wedding.

Before I could race north to Long Island for one last celebration, I had to sit through it — my law school graduation. The endless academic procession. The keynote address that droned on. The smug certainty of a few of my classmates.

All of it, an irritating delay before real life — and the looming bar exam — caught up with me.

Law school had been a grind, academically and financially. I nearly quit more than once. But I had borrowed heavily to chase the dream. Quitting wasn’t an option.

And in my family, I was breaking new ground. My father, after serving in the Army Air Forces during WWII, had gone straight to work. College, let alone law school, wasn’t part of his journey. My mother had attended college briefly before choosing family life.

I was too focused on escape to realize the gravity of the moment.

Upon reflection, my lack of self-awareness is jarring.

Did I allow myself to feel pride in the accomplishment? No.

Did I honor my parents — their sacrifices, their pride? No.

Did I slow down long enough to truly live the moment? Absolutely not.

Graduation season is upon us. I almost missed the meaning of my own. Don’t make the same mistake.

So here’s one last lesson for the Class of ‘25: slow the roll.

If not for yourself, then for those who love you.

For those who cheered you on in ways you never saw.

For those who dreamed big dreams through you.

Stand in the moment. Feel it. Share it. You’ll never get it back — and you’ll never regret taking the time (or the victory lap).

Own the day. Own the weekend.

Carl