Impending Graduation

Every year, as students approach graduation, the decision to walk or not to walk at the graduation ceremony seems to be a given for many. It is expected and prepared for as the moment of achievement after a long educational journey. But why, really, do we do it? And who is this ceremony really for?

Some students say that walking at commencement is for their own sense of accomplishment. Yarileidy Leon, junior, World Languages & Culture would definitely choose to walk at graduation: "I would walk because it's been my dream since I was little to graduate from college".

Lynell Morgan, junior, ISSM agrees: "For me, it's that feeling of 'I did it, I made it out of college!'" But there are other students who admit that they may do so more out of a sense of obligation to their parents than solely for themselves. Deanna Chedsey, senior, HCOM had this to say about her decision to walk in May: "I'm walking more for my parent's sake than my own… I'm the first in my family to graduate with a degree, so it means a lot to them to see the whole ceremony."

Her sentiments echo many other student perspectives. Even Leon adds: "It's also to honor my parents. They always supported my studies and made sacrifices for me to succeed."

Still others would rather skip the whole pomp and circumstance of it all, just happy to be finished: "As I reflect back on my years here and the troubles I've had, I just want to say goodbye. In a sentence: 'It's not me… It's you, CSUMB.' I'm over it." says Thomas Scott, senior, Psychology. He continues: "But I would do it for my dad, to show respect."

Brendan Sullivan, senior, HCOM, has similar feelings about the ceremony: "It's long and boring, and people just talk, for hours and hours… It's annoying. And honestly, I feel like it's not all that prestigious for a Bachelor's anymore… Maybe I'd want to walk for my Master's or PhD. But if I do end up walking, it'll be for my mom."

Those less than excited about the ceremony aren't alone. According to one set of statistics from the College of Central New Mexico, only about 400 of over 1,000 graduating seniors chose to appear at their graduation ceremony at the end of 2010. Even more notably, of these attendees, several abruptly left upon receipt of their "degree". Bear in mind, these "degrees" are often strictly symbolic- most schools do not have the resources to produce the actual degree in time for the commencement ceremony.

The decision to walk or not is very personal. There is a wide spectrum of mixed emotions that contribute to a graduating student's choice, from accomplishment and pride all the way to obligation and relief. Whether you choose to show the world what you've done or keep it as a private moment without all the hoopla, congratulations to those graduating!

May the wind blow always at your back.