Covid Graduation

We’ve taken for granted the ability to gather freely to celebrate joyous occasions like weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries. Now, with graduation season upon us in this year of Covid-19, we are challenged with a new widespread disappointment: underwhelming graduations. Ceremonies marking academic efforts of students feel like it should be a rite of passage, but this year the grand fanfare, in most cases, just won’t happen.

I think about those who are the first in their family to graduate from college, or those who’ve earned a doctorate degree and deserve the ultimate academic triumph of receiving their “hood.” High school students are missing their moment to be acknowledged with ritual and fanfare. We are joyous in the opportunity to celebrate valedictorians and those who completed the journey bathed in academic excellence. Others, however, struggled to succeed. Learning challenges, socioeconomic barriers, or a multitude of other obstacles threatened the finish line, but they did it. Walking the stage to accept their diploma should have been a moment for all to shine. And yet, in this time when everyone banks disappointment, the inability to experience graduation as “normal” feels lost.

My daughter is graduating with a Master’s Degree from The Ohio State University. She reminded me that when she began the pursuit of an advanced nursing degree two years ago, she had a 621 day-countdown on her calendar, marking the days until graduation. And yet, on that day when she completed her final exam online, we both felt a bit underwhelmed. As a parent, I will miss the opportunity to celebrate her accomplishment with a Kleenex as she marched with her peers, hearing “Pomp and Circumstance” fill the proud hearts of everyone in attendance.

I recognize the disappointment of those who feel cheated in their due celebration. It feels unfair in this surreal time. As school administrators work hard to bring some sense of specialness to those who deserve acknowledgement, how to we proceed?

When I was young and struggled with reconciling effort followed by disappointment, my mom used to say, “You’ll have your day.” Inherent in her wisdom was confidence in her children. Although we might have felt dejected or cloaked in unfairness, her belief in our potential and trust in our ability to regain footing propelled us forward with renewed hope for greater things. She never let us dwell long in regret. She also knew there would be another opportunity just beyond the setting of that day’s sun. Her message was a loving reminder to just keep moving onward.

The fact is, we all must do just that. Move onward. Inherent in the act of graduation is the anticipation of something new; an imminent crossroad which brings nervous excitement and an embrace of the unknown. Marking graduation opens new doors of possibility and a reminder not to get stuck in today’s unmet expectation. The good news is that there will be thousands and thousands of equipped graduates poised to bring with their training, education and acquired knowledge into a more expansive world. This is something we can all celebrate.

I can only imagine how much graduates and their families feel robbed of their due moment in the sun. But, as we all know by now, this is a time of challenge and call for renewed perspective. I’d like to remind all graduates that the world needs you now more than ever. We need your enthusiasm, your commitment to enlighten the rest of us, and the practical fruits of your hard work and dedication. I urge you to find a playlist with a version of “Pomp and Circumstance” and blast the ceremonial melody of accomplishment loud wherever you are. I hope you strut your accomplishment with your shoulders braced for your next step. There are many you don’t know who will be cheering you on and reminding you that indeed, “You’ll have your day.” Congratulations to the class of 2020.