With the end of May upon us, I am looking forward to attending and being part of my university's spring convocation ceremonies this week. Taking out the doctoral regalia (thank you Lara for letting me share with you the UBC robes!) and sitting on stage welcoming another class into the ranks of the initiated, I am reminded of both my own long journey through university, but also the mixed feelings of relief, accomplishment, and fear that accompanies this particular right of passage. Many of my conversations with past and present students this week have been focused around the transition out of post-secondary into the "real world." I have given up trying to offer comfort or any firm pronouncements about what the future promises young people in the creative economy. Students today are far too smart for all that, and my own irregular path and that of so many of my colleagues is testament enough that whatever you think you will be doing in 5-10 years will be upended.

Instead, I offer the idea that kept me moving ahead with my path through school for so many years-- that there are very few periods in life that one gets to study, to think, and to create for the pure purpose of learning and growing. That time will pass whatever you end of doing, and the unknowability of the future will always remain. So why not embrace these years of learning/thinking/creating as a unique kind of skill-set to prepare you for the unpredictability of life that awaits us all. Wishing all of you a fantastic week-- enjoy the links-- and for those preparing to graduate, know that you have already succeeded by completing one of life's toughest obstacle courses.