There was a lot of talk about success during my daughter's recent high school graduation ceremony. It's not necessarily measured by how much you possess, but by how much you achieve in life, the guest speaker said.

If that's the case, and I believe it is, we've all enjoyed different achievements: graduating from school; receiving your Graduate Gemologist diploma; having a best friend; getting a great job; raising a good child. Some of these achievements are momentous, others are personally fulfilling - like when you help someone attain their goals.

In our industry, you can do this by making the commitment to mentor someone through our Alumni Association. Giving advice, teaching a friend or new student the art and science of gemology is an act we are all capable of doing. I am always available for phone calls, e-mails or meetings with gemology students in our area. I enjoy their enthusiasm. Helping them makes me feel I am providing a service to the industry.

Your Alumni chapters provide the networking opportunities to make a difference in someone's life. It's so common to meet someone who needs help identifying a gem, appraising a piece of jewelry or even with questions about career paths. The best part of our meetings is that there is usually someone there with the knowledge or a contact who can provide the answer.

I invite you to share your expertise with others at these meetings. To borrow a quote from my daughter's graduation ceremony, "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present." 

Your knowledge, your time, your commitment to the industry can be a gift to others and only strengthens our Alumni Association. That, I truly believe, contributes toward our path to success.

Starla Turner, G.G.

We Are the Alumni!

To learn how you can become a volunteer on one of the Alumni Association's committees, contact Alumni Relations Manager Rose McKenna at (760) 603-4135 or e-mail: rmckenna@gia.edu