Barlow's Graduation

I traveled to Southern California last weekend to attend my older brother’s graduation. He’s worked so hard for a long time to finish his degree. And what a cool degree it is – “Film and Media” from Chapman University. He walked us around the new film building/studios. Wow. There are state of the art sound stages and a giant theater for students to show their flix. I’m impressed. Including him, there were 4 of us siblings in attendance. It was a very special occasion.

The commencement ceremony was outside in their new football stadium and it was a scorcher in the hot sun sitting out on the field. I felt for all those grads sitting in black gowns and caps, but Barlow said nothing would phase him from taking it in with a smile on his face.


The commencement speaker was Dr. Judea Pearl – scholar and father of Daniel Pearl, the Wall Street Journal reporter who was killed in Pakistan by abductors. His message was stirring and inspirational. He first spoke of the importance of formal ceremonies like graduations. It’s a psychological change that takes place - acknowledging that you really did accomplish the thing. It is also an opportunity for a “tribal dance” and communal support from your supporting social network. Then Dr. Pearl got very profound. I wish I had it recorded and could listen to it over and over. He considered world hatred and how truth and freedom are intertwined. That you cannot have one without the other. He talked about how American ideals are misunderstood throughout the world and that we must promote dialogue across racial lines. It was a phenomenal speech. Check out the Daniel Pearl Foundation website. It’s worth the time: http://www.danielpearl.org/

After the ceremony we all went to lunch at “Jerry’s Famous Deli” in Costa Mesa and later enjoyed a dinner outside at “Zito’s Pizza” in Orange. The next morning, my sister Jo and I enjoyed a walk on the sand at Newport Beach. It was a great, quick trip that allowed me to hang with a few of my siblings and gain some perspective.