In my experience, when formal pictures are taken at a school or university, they can indicate: a student is just starting out there; the student has advanced to a new level; and/or the student is ending their journey and about to start a new chapter in their life. This week, I and the other Summer 2021 Graduates took our Graduation Photos and Professional Portraits and it definitely marked the time that we are in.

Not simply because it is pointing to the completion of the Doctor of Chiropractic curriculum, but also because the photos will be used to facilitate a virtual Graduation Ceremony and thereby, mark the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. If nothing else, the period from late 2019 until now has reminded me that the unexpected can and often does happen and some of the ways to get through it may be to; maintain mental/emotional support systems (i.e., family, friends, advisors, faith, etc.); remain vigilant; practice agility; and be flexible.

Of course, along with many of the Summer Graduates, I was hoping that this would be the trimester that we would return to gatherings and formal ceremonies, but we’ll have to wait a little while longer for that. Hopefully, no one is too dismayed, as the greatest accomplishment will not simply be marked by pictures and celebrations, but will be marked by the service and care provided to patients in the field and by the referrals to a growing and vibrant practice that honors the knowledge, skills, training and relationships that were received while attending NUHS.

When people speak well of you and the institution that you matriculated from, that will be a special marking of the time you have spent as a student, especially, if you attended NUHS!

Be well, be vigilant, be agile, be flexible, be blessed!

{{cta(‘306042fa-a486-4975-b06d-dae7935a40fb’)}}