Recently, I was invited to the Annual Convocation at Pillar College (Pillar.edu). ‘Tis a Christian Bible college that takes aim, intriguingly, at offering a new life direction to those who need one. The average student age is about mid-to-late twenties; and made up of those who, for the most part, have had a rough, and less-than-privileged youth. The convocation’s keynote address was given by a previous valedictorian who had endured an unbelievably crushing childhood trauma, and currently serves as a top commercial litigator in a major Manhattan law firm.
This is the college of a new start that blends a practical academic toolkit with an equally practical spiritual toolkit that will set students mentally and emotionally onto a life of consequence. Subjects include the basic Western Civilization – American Government and Philosophy courses – a variety of Writing and Business courses – along with computer and AI, Computer, and Financial literacy. They offer a full Bachelors and Masters programs.
What interested me most was the climax to the evening’s ceremonies. Each incoming student was asked to stand and read out loud – very loudly – a printed Pledge of Persistence they had been given. They did. Every member of the new class rose to their feet and read avidly this pledge committing themselves – vowing that they would, as of this moment, make a new start – that they would face all challenges to their education – and promise to see it through. Hope rippled through that hall. If a person has enough encouragement and strong belief, can she walk on water? Can he walk on the moon? All I know, is that if I return for graduation ceremonies, I won’t be surprised to see all these individuals wearing the cap and gown.
– Bart Jackson