"A commencement is a time of joy. It is also a time of melancholy. But then again, so is life"

In this quote, Paul Tsongas assesses the bittersweet nature of beginnings. On one hand, it is a time of celebration and joy as trainees embark on a new chapter in their lives. Nevertheless, it is also a time of unhappiness as they bid farewell to familiar faces and places. Tsongas suggests that this duality is not unique to beginnings, but rather a reflection of life itself. Life is full of moments of happiness and sadness, and it is necessary to accept both as they are important parts of the human experience. This quote acts as a pointer to appreciate the low and high of life, and to find charm in the contrast.