3 Reasons to Want an Aggie Ring

I recorded the video above only moments after successfully defending my dissertation. It represents a powerful moment in my life–the fulfilling of my dream to wear the Aggie Ring. It’s significance is found in the way it represents my life in three symbolic ways.

1. It symbolizes my desire for life-long learning

I didn’t hear about the idea of life-long learning until I started teacher-traning in my late 20’s. Back then, it was characterized as one of the overall goals for education: instilling in students the desire to learn for the rest of their lives. Today it has become one of the major themes for my  life.

And what a day to live! So much can be learned from the comfort of your living-room chair. Access to free learning is so readily available, it’s curious when a person would choose not to take part.

My PhD was not free, and the great majority of it was not completed in my living-room chair ¹. The effort I had to expend in fulfilling this accomplishment was, decidedly, one of the most intensive, frustrating, and focused initiatives of my life. And now as I stand on the cusp of receiving my degree, it is the most exhilarating. The experience reinforces the point for me: learning is fundamental–unbounded by age, institution or season of life. This idea has become the clarion call for my blog.

2. It symbolizes my substantial accomplishment.

That point may sound a bit arrogant, but I’m incredibly proud of achieving a PhD. That I did so at a Research I, AAU institution, like Texas A&M, is even more meaningful. On top of that, I’m proud of the dissertation itself, from which I believe several academic papers will emerge.

I think we all have a hunger for our lives to substantially contribute. Everyone wants to matter. I hope my achievement communicates the idea that age should not and cannot be an obstacle. In other words, substance is not just for those in their late 20’s and 30’s. I think that our first 49 years are only the preamble; the real substance begins in decade five.

3. It symbolizes my place in a giant community.

Community is pivotal. It provides protection against outside forces, inspiration amidst personal discouragement, and a group to celebrate victories. Community eliminates isolation, loneliness, and segregation.

As a pastor, I’m well aware of the Biblical admonition for community. Jesus walked with a community of disciples. The Apostle Paul built a community of churches. John the Revelator describes a community of believers. Community is thoroughly Biblical and necessary for a fulfilling life.

I’m not only an Aggie, I’m about to be a Former Student; and that unites me among thousand of other Aggies and Former Students. The sun never sets on Aggies. We are all over the globe. And we bring to whatever task a high level of excellence, loyalty, leadership, integrity, respect, and selfless service.

If you’ve ever had the desire to pursue the Aggie Ring, receive my encouragement to chase your heart. You’ll be challenged and stretched beyond your expectations, but you’ll live loud as a life-long learner.

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