Cherishing Milestones Through Giving: From Graduation to Lifelong Contributions
Graduating from high school or college is a significant milestone, often celebrated with heartfelt gestures and meaningful gifts. Many families and friends choose to give a little money to new graduates as a token of support for their future endeavors. Parents or grandparents often contribute a more substantial amount, ranging from 100 euros and upwards, especially to aid with future expenses such as a much-needed vacation or career-related purchases. Friends and acquaintances typically offer between 25 to 50 euros, while closer friends might give around 5 to 20 euros, as recommended by Sparkasse.de.
The best gift, however, doesn't always come with a hefty price tag. A simple congratulations card can sometimes carry immense emotional value. Combining a small monetary gift with a personalized greeting or an invitation to a shared activity can make the gesture even more special. The essence of the gift lies in the thoughtfulness behind it rather than the monetary value, ensuring the recipient feels appreciated and motivated as they embark on their next journey.
In a related tale of generosity, the inspiring story of an 82-year-old alumna, Miji Kim, highlights the profound impact of giving. After graduating from the Catholic University School of Nursing and immigrating to the United States, she dedicated her life to good deeds, culminating in a series of significant donations to her alma mater. In 2018, Miji helped build the Catholic University Medical Convergence Hub 'Omnibus Park' with an initial donation of $10,000, eventually culminating in a total contribution of $1.37 million in honor of her late children.
Miji's journey underscores the power of giving through a series of personal tragedies, including the loss of her daughter and son, who succumbed to a rare cerebrovascular disease and COVID-19 complications, respectively. Despite her sorrow, Miji chose to channel her grief into hope, donating to support the education of future nurses. Her contributions are memorialized through the dedication of a lecture room at her alma mater, ensuring her legacy of kindness and hope endures.
Both stories illustrate how heartfelt gestures, whether through monetary gifts to recent graduates or significant lifetime contributions, can profoundly impact the lives of others. They remind us that the true value lies not in the monetary amount but in the hope and encouragement these gestures provide.
- When considering gifts for specific milestones, adjustments can be made based on cultural expectations, personal relationships, and the recipient's future plans. For instance, monetary gifts for weddings often follow a different financial etiquette, typically larger due to the event's significance.
- Additionally, the emotional weight behind a gift often surpasses its material value. Especially in education, where contributions can provide future opportunities for students, every gesture counts. Miji Kim's story highlights how even individuals facing immense personal loss can impact countless lives through their generosity.
