Moving On

When I checked my work calendar today for appointments, I saw a familiar name.

I haven't seen him since March 2009 when he was in a stressful situation to have an academic matter resolved, which eventually happened in his favor. I was glad that I was part of that process of facilitating a positive outcome.

Seven months later, we met again today so I could confirm his remaining requirements in order to graduate with his Philosophy major at the end of next quarter, in March 2010.

Although we amusingly recalled our past meetings, we did chat a bit about his future plans. He is in the process of applying to law school and how he envisioned himself in the field. He said that he sees himself as a litigator in environmental law. However, he told me that he is open about what law school may give him, which means that he may likely discover something else to pursue and be an advocate for. Regardless, he seems enamored by action in the court room and representing public sector law.

It was good seeing him again where now, the tone was more relaxed for him. There was the understandable anxiety that I often sense from graduating seniors but he also exuded a grounding, passion, focus, maturity and balance to embark on the next phase of his life.

It was a gratifying appointment for me and I will always be reminded of the "Thank You" card that he sent me all those months ago, capped in today's final meeting of mutual regard.

There are other things I want to write about but I'll keep them to myself. :-)