thing that seniors have been looking forward to for a long time. I don’t think it’s wrong to want something better than a virtual graduation, even if such a thing is futile.
While there are larger, life-saving concerns, isn’t it understandable that students might be upset that life isn’t turning out like we thought it would?
More than anything, the backlash against virtual commencement is a sign of even larger frustrations. That’s okay. People will tell you that being disappointed about things you’ve looked forward to is to ignore the bigger issues. While there are larger, life-saving concerns, isn’t it understandable that students might be upset that life isn’t turning out like we thought it would? We can make graduation whatever we want it
to be. As long as people are kept safe, there are no rules. Perhaps virtual commencement seems like the best option to you. That’s great! I’m glad you’re finding something to look forward to. But for those who don’t like that option, there should be something else to be excited for. As we all know, there’s so little of that these days. Personally, I was recently sent an email from the honors college asking what sort of virtual ceremony I would like. One of the options available was to send in a video of myself standing up from a chair, just like in real graduation, to be broadcast during the ceremony. It was depressing to think about, and I’m someone who doesn’t even care much whether I have a graduation or not. Virtual commencement is, at its very core, disappointing and sad. Imagine how sad it is for students who have been looking forward to that ceremony! For this reason, I endorse ASPSU’s idea to have multiple options available to students. I don’t think virtual commencement should be the only option, even if I don’t think it should be cancelled either. Instead, virtual commencement should be opted into if you believe it’s the best option. Others should still be able to hold smaller ceremonies later on and, I believe, a full ceremony either next year or in the fall should be an option as well. Seniors worked hard to get where they are and although a Moda ceremony won’t be happening this year, we should be able to choose how we get to celebrate.
THE PACIFIC SENTINEL
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