Today marks the beginning of an extra special season in our area: Graduation season. We would be remiss if we didn’t take a moment to congratulate all of this year’s graduates — college, high school, kindergarten — for their significant achievements.
Goshen College graduates will be the first this year to turn their tassels and launch their mortar boards toward the sky as 233 students will receive degrees at 3 p.m. today inside the Roman Gingerich Recreation-Fitness Center. British Bishop Simon Barrington-Ward will address those graduates. It is the 114th commencement for the college that graces Goshen’s southern entryway.
Earning a college degree is no small feat and has become increasingly necessary in our society to make a more comfortable living. According to a National Center for Education study, a person’s average annual median salary is significantly impacted by their level of education. For example, a high school graduate will earn a median average of $33,695 per year. Each degree attained after that raises the median average income, according to the study. The breakdown follows:
• Associate’s degree – $43,4555
• Bachelor’s degree – $56,415
• Master’s degree – $69,235
• Doctorate degree – $87,015
The report also estimates that bachelor’s degree holders will take home an average of 38 percent more salary than those with only a high school diploma. Those without a high school diploma are usually destined for minimum-wage level jobs as the prospects for employment are slim.
However, the value of a college education goes far beyond that of future earnings. College is about self-enrichment and discovery. It’s about building relationships and finding a voice. It’s about coming of age, a sense of belonging and perseverance.
On today’s front page you can read about Olga Rabchuk who came to Goshen from the Ukraine and began working full-time as a custodian at Goshen College. All the while Olga and her husband were raising two children. Through the years Olga has studied to become a nurse and will graduate today.
Let’s take stock in what Olga and GC’s other 232 graduates have accomplished in their academics and how it might enrich their lives moving forward. Education is a beautiful, empowering and continuous force that does not differentiate between “traditional” and “non-traditional” students. It’s there for all who choose to pursue it.
Take a bow, graduates, you’ve certainly earned it.
Opinion
Graduation season is an inspiring time
- Opinion
-
-
Council makes a smart move on tax breaks
The Goshen City Council’s adoption of a tax phase-in policy for local governments will help bring uniformity to a competitive process that has pitted local governments against each other.
-
Like it or not, Sheriff is going to speak freely
Elkhart County Sheriff Brad Rogers has taken heat the past couple weeks after he commented during a political rally in downtown South Bend that he would not enforce proposed future gun-control legislation within his jurisdiction.
-
Goshen neighborhood stands together on north side
Sometimes a news photographer is at the optimum location at exactly the right time. Goshen News staffer Sam Householder was in such a spot Wednesday.
-
We just can’t thank our moms enough
The purpose of this editorial is quite simple. We just want to say, “Thanks, mom.” And by “mom” we mean all of the great mothers in our community who have gone above and beyond to lead the way in the development of their children.
-
Letter carriers help to Stamp Out Hunger
There’s still time to help someone you probably don’t know.
-
Farmers are positive this will be the year
Farmers and Cub fans have something in common. They are eternally positive and expect a better season next year.
-
It's time to spruce up the Maple City
This is the season and today is the day, finally.
-
Smooth sailing for this year’s regular session
The final gavel has fallen on the 2013 regular session of Indiana’s General Assembly. During the 14-week session, our lawmakers passed nearly 300 pieces of legislation, including the state’s $30 billion biennial budget that contains the largest tax cut in state history.
-
Palm Sunday tornadoes a reminder of sudden danger
It was a beautiful day, most people around these parts who can remember will tell you. It was one of those near-perfect, early spring days, they would likely say, a stark contrast to what early evening would bring on April 11, 1965.
Yes, the Palm Sunday tornado outbreak of 1965, is still very vivid in our local history five decades later. Those were days before Doppler Radar, 24-7 cable television, countywide siren warning systems and even seatbelts in most cars. So, when afternoon turned to early evening, many local residents had little or no warning that killer tornadoes were nearly on top of them. -
Graduation is always a great achievement
While many of us have been waiting patiently – some not so patiently – for spring to finally show up in Northern Indiana, students throughout the area have been busy working on term papers, taking tests and ordering caps and gowns.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Council makes a smart move on tax breaks
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
