Insight: There are many ways you can get there from here by Lorraine Glowczak

Now that the graduation ceremonies are behind us and summer is in full swing, we can slow down a little and enjoy the long and hopefully sunny days of Maine.

When I slow down, I get more of an opportunity to read, hike, kayak and spend time with family and friends, for daytime picnics or evenings around the fire pit. But I also get more of an opportunity to be quiet, watch the sunset and reflect on things for a while. I get to take a moment and re-evaluate where I am heading in life - which seems to be that of the meandering, twisting, roaming and nonconforming variety. 

The subject of an atypical journey brings me to the Windham/Raymond Adult Education graduation that occurred last Thursday (see the article on the front page.)

Although I graduated in the typical high school fashion, my ability to be traditional in the world stopped there. As a result, I am always moved by these students who graduate from the Adult Ed Program and who discover a path that doesn’t necessary look like the norm. 

When I was their age, I don’t know if would have had the confidence nor the perseverance to go that route, even if I wanted to. To do things differently takes a little courage; sometimes, a lot of courage.

I used to be critical of myself for not being able to “fit in” and be “normal.” I judged that perhaps I was deficient in some way. But I have discovered, as I get older, that to walk in life a little differently is something to be proud of. Somehow, I learned what the quote on the editorial page  attributed to Albert Einstein, clearly expresses (see quote below). We are all geniuses in our own unique ways and we always get to where we need to go. There are many ways you can get to your destination, your goals and your dreams. There are countless methods to personal success.

It took me a while to figure that out and that’s the reason why I admire the Adult Ed graduates so much. Although, by some standards, they may feel they are running behind in reaching their goals; but by taking this first challenging non-traditional step, I would venture to guess they are ahead of the game.

“Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb and tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.” Albert Einstein