the kindness of everyone

Friday was the best day of my life, as it was the day that I graduated with my degree in occupational therapy. It was a long and arduous journey, but as I reflect on it, I realize that this was far from an individual accomplishment. I relied on the kindness of many people to help me recognize this goal. In this way I see myself as a worker ant; industrious, but merely one of a larger colony needed to accomplish a goal. Ants are seen as just individual cells of a larger collective intelligence and in this same way I recognize that my working hard to receive my degree was just one element that had to come together in order to help me be successful. Without a larger social network of support, I would have died like a starving ant in the sand. As Julia, one of my favourite fellow ants, pointed out, it was I who had to write all the exams and complete all the placements, in order to be successful. Perhaps then I am like a guardian ant with a large head where much knowledge about OT is stored. However,I needed other ants to help create pathways and make my journey more accessible. Recognition that I am part of a larger colony of ants is valuable, as it helps me appreciate that I am supported both in achieving this goal and also future goals. The kindness of my fellow ants is much appreciated and being able to share it with them on Friday made that day even more special.