With my Dads after graduation.

At last, I’ve completed my M.S. in Communication Management program at Temple University. It took four years but I made it to the finish line. I’m also happy to report that I graduated Magna Cum Laude, which is one full level higher than I did from Temple’s undergraduate communication’s program.

The whole reason why I decided to get my M.S. is because I want to be an Adjunct Professor. I’ve always felt at home on Temple’s campus, and having the opportunity to pay it forward by teaching the next generation of communications professionals would be a great honor.

Crossing the stage after receiving my diploma.

I’ve had great mentors my entire life, both personally and professionally, but it all started with my Dad and his husband (i.e., my other Dad), Kevin. I remember not wanting to do homework, especially math homework, and Kevin making me sit down and do it. Both of them also made sure I went to a great high school, where I had the opportunity to go to Europe twice – first Italy, then England, Amsterdam and France. And they also introduced me to Temple University.

Prior to Temple, I thought all colleges were like the ones in movies and TV shows. You know, sprawling green campuses in the suburbs or some far-off place. To my surprise, fantastic universities existed in Philadelphia. As far as I’m concerned, Temple was the perfect choice. I got a great education at an incredibly affordable price – especially if you compare it to other nearby universities – and graduated with honors in the process.

With my girlfriend, Stephanie, before graduation.

What I’m most proud of is that I paid for my graduate degree without any financial assistance. After paying off my undergraduate loans, I didn’t want to go into debt again for education, so I paid for what I could afford. At one point I worked two jobs (one part-time and the other full-time) to make sure I had enough money to pay for school.

My nine years at Temple, as an undergraduate and graduate student, were wonderful. I learned a lot, made great connections and had wonderful experiences. I even got to enjoy a period of this time with my cousin and best friend, Chris, who was also a student at Temple while I was there.

With my cousin, Chris, and the Temple owl before graduation.

This time next year I’ll look into Adjunct Professor positions at Temple. I’m sure it’ll be a surreal experience, being the teacher rather than the student. But I’ll do my best and apply what I’ve learned from my mentors and my Dads.

It reminds me of a terrific Barry Manilow song: “I Am Your Child.”

Below are the lyrics and a video of Barry performing the song live:

I am your child.
Wherever you go, you take me, too.
Whatever I know, I learned from you.
Whatever I do, you taught me to do.
I am your child.
And I am your chance.

Whatever will come, will come from me.
Tomorrow is won, by winning me.
Whatever I am, you taught me to be.
I am your hope.
I am your chance.
I am your child.

Whatever I am, you taught me to be.
I am your hope.
I am your chance.
I am your child.

What this song makes clear is that we influence and learn from one another. I know that what I am is an amalgamation of what I was taught to be. Now, I look forward to doing the same for college students as their professor.

In front of Temple’s iconic bell tower.