Stephanie Rarick can’t prove the $5,000 tip she received during the Cubs’ historic run toward the World Series was because of her new Hospitality degree, but she knows her education sure helped.
Rarick, 23, decorated her graduation cap with a Cubs logo to celebrate her place as one of the 493 students who walked the dais Saturday at Purdue University Northwest’s Hammond campus. She and 989 students were among the first matriculating class of the consolidated Purdue Northwest that includes Hammond and Westville campuses.
Rarick, of Hammond, ended up sharing that colossal tip with her co-workers, but the excitement of seeing her hard work pay off was almost more of a reward.
“It was when the Cubs were playing the Giants; this guest came in (to DraftKings Fantasy Sports Zone at Wrigley Field) both nights, and the first night, I remember he was tipping generously,” Rarick said. “The second night, he came in with his wife, and he bought the whole bar a round of shots.”
The bar tab came to $2,280, she said, and the gentleman tipped her more than most people see in months.
“Between school and working, I’ve learned how to really give phenomenal service at every turn,” she said.
State Rep. Christina Hale, D-87th, who graduated from Purdue North Central, said students like Rarick and everyone getting their degrees are the people who serve as inspirations.
“These students today, they inspire us,” Hale said. “They’ve not only earned a degree, but they’ve worked while doing it, so they’ve developed an unparalleled work ethic. They know how to get things done.”
Hale then asked the graduates to do three things. First, while they’re riding high on their successes, they need to write themselves a letter with all they plan to accomplish now that they have their degrees. Then they need to give the letter to someone they trust and, after a year when the newness wanes and the rose-colored glasses have come off, have that person mail the letter to them
“It’ll reignite the passion for what they wanted to do in the first place,” said Hale, who was John Gregg’s running mate in his bid for governor in November.
After that letter, Hale asked them to think about a time where they’ve felt the most defeated – something to which she can relate currently, she said – and then identify the person or people who lifted them up when they were feeling down. They should then write a letter to that person or people.
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“Call them and make an appointment, and then read the letter to them,” Hale said. “That’ll give you a chance to reset and remember those who mean the most to you”
After all that, Hale had one more request: When opportunity comes knocking, say “Yes!”
“When opportunity knocks, ask yourself that question, ‘Why not you? Why not?’ and be prepared to say ‘Yes!’ ” she said.
More than 600 students participated in the commencement ceremonies, of which the first was held at the Westville campus Friday evening, and the third Saturday afternoon at Hammond, according to Assistant Vice Chancellor of Media Relations Wes Lukoshus.
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.