Editor’s Note: The team here at JP Marketing would like to extend a heartfelt “Congratulations!” to all of the 2023 graduates in our work family! In this blog post, our Production Manager, Mark Lawrence, reflects on a busy year leading up to his son, Jack’s, graduation and gives advice for all of us experiencing a season of change.
A big moment will be taking place soon in the Lawrence household. Our son, Jack, recently graduated from Clovis North High School and will be heading to the University of North Texas to study Music Composition. There’s been so much to do and prepare for within the last couple of months—college campus visits, spring concerts, senior award ceremonies, and graduation party planning, just to name a few. It’s hard to believe all that will come to a screeching halt once he leaves for Texas. My wife, Amy, and I are excited for him, but it also leads to an important question as we enter this new phase of our lives…what to do with all this new free time?
We have always been involved in Jack’s life since he was a youngster, so this will be a big change for us. Volunteering at school, coaching sports teams, carpools, helping with fundraisers, and for the past four years, being heavily involved as band parents. It has been some of the most tiring yet enjoyable times we have been fortunate enough to be a part of, and it has led to great memories and friendships.
We’re proud that Jack has decided to take this leap of faith and leave home in order to continue his education based on his love of music. He’s excited that he will get to pursue his passion and be part of one of the most prestigious music schools in the country in order to become the best musician he can be. Which made me realize, with some new free time on my hands, why not explore some new interests of my own in order to better myself?
It’s easy and inconducive for those of us who are beyond our college days to get comfortable doing the same thing day in and day out and put our lives on autopilot. Trying something new or devoting more time to something we’re passionate about can only bring about good things. By doing so, it could lead to new opportunities and a path you may have never thought possible.
I know I’ll miss seeing Jack every day, but I know this is the right move for him, and that makes me happy. I’m already looking forward to his phone calls telling us about all the new things he’s experiencing. Hopefully, I’ll be able to surprise him with some of my own stories about trying something new.
GO MEAN GREEN!
