It’s commencement time.

That word has two definitions, and I think that’s important to remember.

Commencement can either mean a beginning or a start, or it can mean a ceremony in which degrees are conferred upon graduation students. It many cases, it means both of these things.

Saturday, I graduated from the University of Mississippi with a master’s degree in journalism, and over the next two weeks, hundreds of students in Warren County will graduate high school.

For us, commencement is both a graduation ceremony and a new start.

But as with any new start, it’s imperative to look back over what’s been written one last time before closing a final chapter.

In the chapters of life, there are no do-overs, no rewrites, no edits: only lessons learned.

Throughout these years, we’ve had both successes and failures, but throughout them all, we’ve had cheerleaders.

I think back on all of my mentors, and I’ve truly been lucky, especially when you consider the people I’ve been surrounded with for the last year and a half.

Through the last year and a half, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the most talented journalists around thanks to The Vicksburg Post.

Before I close my next chapter, I have some colleagues I need to thank:

Alana Norris: When you started working at The Post last year, I had no idea you’d end up becoming one of my very best friends. You always say I keep everything from falling apart, but I think you’re a much more integral piece to the puzzle than you know. Thanks for always, always helping pick up the slack.

Alex Swatson: A man of unbridled passion, I want to thank you for teaching me what it really means to be a fan. Although we like none of the same teams, I admire your passion and loyalty to your fandom.

John Surratt: Thank you for sharing the tricks of the trade you’ve learned over a lifetime of reporting. You always know who to call, and more importantly, you always have their number.

Terri Frazier: My mom away from mom, I thank you for your countless words of advice, both about journalism and life. You’ve helped ease my transition into adulthood with your caring guidance.

Ernest Bowker: Thanks for teaching me about dedication. Not many people stick with the same job for two and a half decades — longer than I’ve been alive — but your dedication has helped make you a leader in the industry.

Jan Griffey: You have been so much more than an editor and one of my biggest cheerleaders. You’ve taught me, but you’ve also taught me it’s OK not to have all of the answers. I want to thank you more than words can express.

Tim Reeves: Thanks for giving me my first job, thanks for the countless hours we’ve spent talking in your office and thanks for always believing I had what it took, even when I didn’t.

 

Austin Vining is a staff writer for The Vicksburg Post. Email comments to austin.vining@vicksburgpost.com