Graduation 2020

Taking a selfie with the graduate during a Facebook Live ceremony  on 5/14

My niece graduates today and there will be no pomp and circumstance.  

Pomp and Circumstance will not play for many of the three million (read this number somewhere and have not confirmed it) graduates in the United States.  There will be no walking the stage, no receiving of diplomas, no shaking hands, no hearing the loud cheers from family (me with cowbells), no moving the tassel from one side to the other and throwing in the air, and no meeting afterwards and hugging with co-graduates and friends, dining with proud relatives and no after parties, hanging out in clubs and bars, a rites of passage similar to turning 21.

The first Black valedictorian of Princeton University in its 274 year history, Nicholas Johnson, will not deliver his speech live.  Johnson, in his interviews and there are many, talks about the significance of the achievement, given Princeton's historical link to slavery.  In an interview with CBS-Canada he says, "It is really significant to be a valedictorian at this time to have the opportunity to address my entire class, albeit virtually. It is "empowering" he says and hopes to serve as an "inspiration."   

Other graduating seniors are vocal in their disappointment and some have online polls seeking to have schools overturn their policies of no in-person graduation.  I empathize with graduates and their feelings of disappointment.  My own graduation from high school was stolen from me by a punitive principal.  She thought it prudent to cancel graduation for a whole class because a few students were out of control. 

But the situation that brings graduates to this point, is not just a mean and thoughtless principal.  It is a disease which is annihilating the plans of all in its path and it is everywhere. It is nothing to play with.  It leaves death and destruction in its path and even though numbers are down, it’s not done with us yet.  Even for young people!  So, while I empathize, I know that in- person graduations cannot and should not be held.  That’s me speaking.  It doesn’t quench the hurt felt by these graduates.  And it’s not just the graduates, it’s also the parents who have planned for the moment and want to well with pride as their children receive their diplomas. 

Families are trying to get the best of COVID by finding creative ways to honor their graduates, from hosting graduation ceremonies at drive in theatres, in their front yards, in parking lots.  Some schools are having drive-up graduations where graduates drive up to receive diplomas, while others look on social distancing.  Some principals are delivering diplomas to their students' homes.  And then there are what has become the usual Corona celebrations, Zoom and drive-bys.  These are feel good moments, but not replacements for a real graduation ceremony.

Johnson sends hope and consolation to his fellow graduates and graduates to-be. In the CBS-Canada interview, he says, "In this very unique world and environment, where we are graduating into a pandemic and more than likely into a recession, my message would be that although the world situation is unprecedented, especially in our lifetime, this too shall pass.  Members of 2020 and students of younger years will come out on the other side more resilient, and even more committed to use their personal skills and personal life experiences to leave their positive impact on the world and not let themselves be far too intimidated by this unfortunate circumstance." 

Niece Chelsea graduates from George Washington University today.  How does she feel about the Facebook live ceremony?  How disappointed is she?  Does she share Johnson's optimism?   It’s a story that only she can tell.  Coming soon...