Others Helped Me Earn My Masters

This week I earned my Masters of Public Administration (MPA) from the Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University (BYU). The sense of accomplishment and excitement surprised me. I remember the moment that I applied for graduation. I could not wipe the grin off of my face for several hours afterward. I had to call my wife, a classmate, and several colleagues to share the joy with them. I felt so silly and at the same time so happy.

I teach that "Others will help you achieve your goal". I would like to take a moment to thank the many people who helped me achieve this goal. I do so, not only to show my gratitude, but to demonstrate how others can help. The others who helped me include:

1. My dear wife Carol, who endured my absence almost every Thursday, and sacrificed together time while I did homework every waking hour (or so it seemed).
2. My parents, Kay and Jo, who encouraged me and financially made the degree possible.
3. My GoalsWork team that kept me on task, lifted me when down, and pushed me when frustrated. You guys exemplify what synergy is all about.
   
4. Gloria Wheeler, the retired assistant department chair, who dragged me into the program, so that I would stop wasting time.
5. Team RIP'M (Chad, Crystal, Kevin, & Temple) my first year study team and friends for life. We carpooled together the entire 3 years, kept each other going, discussed concepts, celebrated the victories, and mourned the losses. I could not have made it without your support.
6. My fellow classmates who shared three years of Thursdays together. Your insights, discussions, and collaboration elevated my work.
   
7. My professors who gave me 59 new tools to manage more effectively, analyze more accurately, and think more clearly. Governments and academics around the world recognize your contributions.
8. My family and friends who cheered me on, tutored me, and shared the dream.
   

Others truly will help. Look at all the ones that helped me. Others will help you too.

PS: I earned my degree this week. I will walk with all my classmates in August.