Latin definitions necessary to understand parts of this post:
- cum laude, meaning "with honor"[1]—usually pronounced /kʊmˈlaʊdeɪ/ or /kʊmˈlɔːdeɪ/.
- magna cum laude, meaning "with great honor"
- summa cum laude, meaning "with highest honor"
I leave this drop of wisdom, though: she graduated magna cum laude which is a high honor. Her response was pleasure at that and the followup wisdom that she was delighted the she "only graduated magna!" What? She contends with bipolar disorder and is most definitely making bipolar deal with her rather than the other way around. It has forged her in a different furnace than the other students. Had she remained at the stage whe found herself when she entered college, she rightfully noted that she would have graduated summa cum laude, for she would have been unable to accept less. And the price would have been terrible.
My daughter has learned that achievement comes in many colors. She has learned to still achieve in her chosen path of study and career and simultaneously achieve balance. That maturation and her happy marriage bring me more delight than any awards possibly could.
THAT is why college is a life lab. The challenges are presented in packages designed by others, but they are worthy challenges nonetheless. Now, she is ready to leave the lab and deal with life as she finds it, seldom prepackaged and unknown in its path. She (and we) think with no hesitation that she is ready!
Congratulations!!
Lafawnda is one amazing & talented young lady. I am delighted for her and offer my hearty Congratulations! I would join in the celebrations, but I better stay off the booze for another week.
ReplyDelete@Grannymar
ReplyDeleteThanks! As you know, we are SOOOO delighted!
@Grannymar
ReplyDeletePS Her individual thesis research was one of two research projects at the school mentioned by the University President at a convocation. He didn't refer to her name, but we were jazzed!
I bet you were and justifiably so!
Delete@Grannymar
ReplyDeleteYep. She doesn't get the big head, so we get them for her!
@Delirious
ReplyDeleteTime for a little good news, huh?
On the one occasion that I spoke to Lafawnda on Skype, I knew that she was something special. In fact TOF, I have offered to exchange, if you recollect. I am delighted for her and the parents too and send you my hearty congratulations. Had we been closer, I would have insisted on celebrating in style. May be, Lafawnda will settle for an IOU!
ReplyDelete@Rummuser
ReplyDeleteI am sure she can feel your well wishes all the way across the Pacific, the Big Pond of Peace.
Wow! Your girl is a wonder, fossil. She rose above a crippling disorder to accomplish an amazing feat. She slayed the dragon to reach her goal. Astounding!
ReplyDeleteblessings ~ maxi
@Maxi
ReplyDeleteWe are proud of what she has accomplished and I learn every day from what she has learned on her journey. She wants to focus on disordered eating problems to help others through counseling. I believe she will be very helpful, all the more because of the lessons she has learned from her illness.
Clearly laFawnda rocks - as do her parents. Hearty Texas congratulations to all.
ReplyDelete@shackman
DeleteThe parents were pretty much along for the ride on this one, as they should be. This was all Lafawnda, figuring it out piece by piece.
Well, maybe we had some influence ... :)