I had the amazing good fortune last week to attend the Lambda Pi Eta National Communication Association Honors Society induction ceremony at Curry College.

Twenty-four young future professionals were welcomed into the Lambda Chi Chapter in recognition of their hard work, dedication to studying…and learning, and scholastic accomplishments.

While most were Communication majors, there was a Management major and a Health Education major, both of whom had a COM minor. And several of the Communication majors had a minor in another area.

Most were regular “day” students, but a couple of the inductees were Continuing Education…working adults who have returned to college to complete their studies.

In addition, a couple were members of my Public Relations Concentration “team”…students who have decided that PR is the career path they want to pursue. And they will succeed!

The very cool part for me was having a chance, as I usually do, to work the room before and after the ceremony, chatting with proud parents and/or fiancées. The unabashed looks of pride and joy on everyone’s face highlighted the significance of the evening better than anything.

The point here is that long hours of study, combined with enthusiastic participation in numerous on- and off-campus activities (the current Curry College Public Relations Student Association president is this year’s Lambda Chi president, and the CCPRSA treasurer was inducted into Lambda Pi Eta this year…both have also done multiple internships), have been recognized.

For some students, college is all about getting away from home and living “the life.” For others, it’s their first (initially) tentative steps toward adult life and adult responsibilities.

And it’s this second group that I will devote my own time and energy to…pushing and prodding, challenging, questioning, and consoling.

Why?

Because they deserve it.