cal school; the first scholar to become immediately employed following the graduation ceremony, etc. Each of those By Bill Crane capstone events is worthy of comGraduation Days are among those most memorable milestones memoration and salutation, as well as and touchstones of life. They are often seen more as an end to one multi-selfie taking and sharing on social phase, while I have always chosen to view the ceremony as well as the media. Pomp and Circumstance as an entrance into life’s next phase. These Higher education is increasingly overceremonies now start as early as kindergarten, continuing through priced, and much of your college and elementary, middle school, and high school – as well as later for many post-graduate experience is as much college and post-graduate degrees. This plethora of caps and gowns about socialization, developing people do tend to blend over time, and the sheer number I feel tends to water skills, and critical thinking as it is about down the impact and the significance of those later and more signif- the subject matter or your specific area icant school finishes and degrees. of focus and study. Without argument, For many families, this graduation season will celebrate many there are some degrees, and certainly firsts: first family member to graduate from college, from medi- academic institutions, where the bar is set higher, and the academic rigors are greater. But this chat is not about that. Your college years are a time for personal exploration, experimentation, and hopefully the broadening of your mind. Even in the most controlled and private college campus environment, you have hopefully been exposed to others who don’t think or look like you do, whose life experiences and formed opinions come through a different lens and perspective. You have come to both note and appreciate these differences as the world today, particularly in urban areas, is much more a tapestry than a pile of clean, pressed linens. All the marvels of electronic communication, and the internet replacing libraries as the ultimate study and research tool, as well as Full Service Dental Care Including: the seeming shift from actual conversation to virtual communication Cosmetic Dentistry, Root Canals, Implants, Tooth Replacement, via text, Snapchat, Instagram, Pinterest, and other social media platforms, have both made the world smaller, AND at times increased Bridges, Crowns, Dentures, Sedation, and Zoom Whitening the distance between actual people. I truly can’t understand the Call Today For an Appointment often-witnessed scene of a group of students – of all gender, races, and cultures – seated together at a meal, or sharing an event or gathering, EACH fixated on their phone screen, taking a selfie or engaged No Insurance? No New Patient Welcome Package! in conversation with someone else NOT actually present. Problem! I’m not suggesting never using your phone in public again, but I Quality Dentistry is now more (Reg. $269) would ask you to consider, with friends, family, your prospective affordable with our In-House employers, and clients/customers ahead of you, the person WITH and • Oral Exam • Consultation Dental Assistance Savings Plan. in front of you should be MORE important than the person texting, • Necessary X-rays sharing a Meme, or wanting to chat. Yes, emergencies occur and n No Yearly Minimums those take priority, but try and remember how you felt the last time • Healthy Mouth Cleaning n No Deductibles you were having a deeply personal conversation, or even flirting with (In the absence of gum disease.) n No Claim Forms someone new to you, and they suddenly turned to or answered their Valid for new patients only. Does not include any periodontal gum disease treatment. Cannot be combined phone and spent quite some time in that interaction, putting you in n No Waiting Periods with any other offers or insurance. Insurance will be billed effect on hold. I bet you didn’t like it. customary fees. Must present this coupon at the time of Call Us For Details appointment. Tranferable. Please share with your family PEOPLE and their feelings matter more than an instant response and friends. Offer expires 07/15/22. TODAY!! to a text or another social media platform. The loudest voices are often among the most opinionated and hostile. As an example, though Facebook allows me to keep in touch and keep tabs on an old friend, acquaintance, or former classmate, it is by NO MEANS even remotely close to simply picking up the phone and calling that same person, or better yet, planning time for a shared meal or a visit. Yes, some of you are geniuses, and employers will chase you down. I was fortunate to have several jobs offers awaiting me at a decent salary right out of college. I took one, but it really wasn’t my desired or Dr. Gerald Rausch Dr. Candace Rausch Dr. Elizabeth Kaplan Dr. Fabian Byer chosen profession. That opportunity, which involved a LOT of pursuit time on my part, required a massive pay cut, relocation, and at least a year of dues paying as I learned the ins and outs of broadcasting. Nearing four decades after my last graduation ceremony, I still look 1172 Rockbridge Road incredibly fondly back on my college days, but it is the life and career experiences and particularly the occasional losses which followed Stone Mountain, GA 30087 that taught me the greatest lessons. Welcome to the real world, and www.stonemountaindentistpractice.com Adulting, and all the good and the bad that comes with that. You have arrived on the first day of the rest of your life. Spend them wisely and Serving Lilburn and Stone Mountain ConGRADulations! for over 25 years Crane owns the full-service communications firm, CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com PAGE 10 Become an Advertising Partner: Info@OurTown Gwinnett.com or 678-825-2049
One Man’s Opinion: “ConGRADuation” Day
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678-248-5143
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Drs. Gerald and Candace Rausch P.C.
idge Rd
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