It is graduation season, and my youngest son walked across the stage for the third and probably final time. As he waited to receive the hood that came with a master’s degree, around ninety other students crossed the stage ahead of him. Almost without exception, when the graduate’s name was called, a small group of two to twelve people cheered in the crowd. They would shout, take pictures, and savor the moment.

My family was no exception. I applauded, and one of the boys shouted while my wife took pictures. It was an exciting moment as years of study reached their culmination. But with each of the diplomas handed out, these little celebrations captured my attention.

Sure, they are expressions of pride, but it is more than family passively observing another’s success. There is a sense of togetherness. The graduate’s accomplishments are not their own. They belong to the family. Behind the student was a support network that helped make it happen. Success is something that is never achieved alone.

Whatever you produce with your life, always be keenly aware of the people who support you. Those people are the ones who celebrate for you and with you. Be sure to recognize their contribution and value their help. Anything is possible when you surround yourself with the right people. Graduation is just the beginning.