Plus: I’m Appalled at This Change in College Graduation Ceremonies
As a recent college graduate, I was eagerly looking forward to my graduation ceremony. It was supposed to be a momentous occasion, a celebration of all the hard work and sacrifices that I had made to earn my degree. However, when I arrived at the venue, I was shocked and appalled to see that the traditional graduation ceremony had been completely changed.
Gone were the caps and gowns, the procession of graduates, and the speeches from esteemed guests. Instead, we were ushered into a large auditorium where we were given a certificate and a handshake, and then quickly shuffled out to make way for the next group of graduates. I couldn’t believe that this was how my college experience was going to end.
I’m sure many of my fellow graduates felt the same way. We had spent four years or more studying, attending classes, and working tirelessly to achieve our goals. And now, we were being denied the opportunity to have a proper graduation ceremony. It felt like a slap in the face, a dismissal of all our hard work and dedication.
But what was even more disheartening was the reason behind this change. The college administration claimed that it was a cost-cutting measure. They said that organizing a traditional graduation ceremony was too expensive and time-consuming. Instead, they opted for a simpler and more efficient approach. But at what cost?
The graduation ceremony is not just a formality; it is a rite of passage. It is a symbolic representation of the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. It is a moment that we, as graduates, look forward to with anticipation and excitement. It is a time to celebrate our achievements with our friends and family, who have been our pillars of support throughout our academic journey.
But with this change, all of that was taken away from us. We were denied the chance to walk across the stage, to have our names called out, and to feel a sense of accomplishment as we received our diplomas. It may seem like a small thing, but for us graduates, it meant everything.
Moreover, the graduation ceremony is not just for the graduates; it is also for the parents, who have made countless sacrifices to see their children succeed. It is for the professors, who have imparted their knowledge and wisdom to us. It is for the staff, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that our college experience was a smooth one. By changing the graduation ceremony, the college administration has not only disappointed the graduates, but also all those who have been a part of our journey.
I understand that in today’s world, we need to be practical and make decisions based on financial considerations. But is it really worth sacrificing such an important and meaningful event for the sake of saving a few dollars? I believe that there are other ways to cut costs without compromising on the quality of the graduation ceremony.
For instance, the college could have opted for a smaller venue or reduced the number of guests per graduate. They could have asked for donations from alumni or sought sponsorship from local businesses. There are many creative solutions that could have been explored, rather than completely changing the graduation ceremony.
I am not alone in my disappointment and frustration. Many of my fellow graduates have expressed their dissatisfaction with this change. We all feel that we have been robbed of a crucial moment in our lives. And it’s not just about us; it’s about all the graduates who will come after us. They deserve to have the same experience that we were denied.
I urge the college administration to reconsider their decision and bring back the traditional graduation ceremony. It may seem like a small change, but it will make a world of difference to us graduates. It will show that our hard work and dedication were valued and appreciated. It will give us the closure that we need as we embark on the next phase of our lives.
In conclusion, I am appalled at this change in college graduation ceremonies. It is a disservice to the graduates, their families, and all those who have been a part of their academic journey. I hope that the college administration will listen to our voices and make the necessary changes to ensure that future graduates have the opportunity to experience a proper and meaningful graduation ceremony. After all, graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and it should be celebrated in all its glory.
