Later today along with 400 others, in tempertures approaching 90 degrees, I will be graduating from college. They will say my name and I’ll walk up on stage to be handed a diploma. Supposedly that’s what I’ve been working toward for four years. That’s what the assumption will be as we all take our turn to be handed an official looking paper with our name on it. I’m told it’ll impress future employers. It’s supposed to help us all get better jobs to make more money. I think the goal from that is more happiness. Well, I’m not happy.
Sure, I’ve fulfilled all the requirements for a diploma, so in that sense at least I suppose I’ve earned it. I’ve sat through classes for about 20 hours a week for four years. I’ve done countless hours of homework for those classes. I’ve written papers and given speeches and read countless books. I did all that I needed to in order to complete my assignments well and get decent grades in all of my classes. I’m sure I’ve done everything necessary to be handed a diploma. I just wish that wasn’t the emphasis.
Four years have culminated in a diploma, but I want something that actually represents all of my past four years. A diploma represents only part of this college experience. And I’d say it’s a fairly insignificant part. Fortunately there is more to a graduation ceremony. The pinnacle is being handed a diploma, but I’m choosing to look at other aspects. I’ll look at what I’m wearing for graduation.
The first thing everyone will notice is a nice Royal blue gown. That represents EMU and it makes me think about the countless sporting events I’ve attended as well as the many seasons on intramural teams. Under that gown I’ll be wearing some nice dress clothes. Probably 95% of the time I’ve dressed up as a college student was for a concert I sang in. That’s what those clothes represent for me. I’ll be wearing a white stole with blue Jerusalem crosses around my shoulders. That was given to all the students who dared to spend an entire semester in the Middle East. It represents a huge transition in my life blessing me with cross-cultural eyes and the desire to wonder. Also draped on my shoulders will be blue and gold Cords of Distinction. Those represent my investment in the Honors Program, years serving Campus Ministries, and significant involvement in church life off campus. I’ll also have a little green ribbon pinned to my gown. Every senior was given a chance to sign a Graduation Commitment devoting ourselves to a life of integrity after we graduate. I signed that and will live up to it.
One thing is missing. There’s nothing to represent the hundreds of relationships I’ve formed these last four years. There’s nothing for my 2 years in Oakwood, including the best freshman hall ever. There’s nothing for my year in Hillside with the greatest guys ever to live in the Keep. There’s nothing for the family I gained living in Martin House this year. There’s nothing for my brothers and sisters gained these last four years. There’s nothing for the beautiful one I drove home last night. There’s nothing for all of these relationships.
But maybe it’s because those don’t end. Sporting events, intramurals, concerts, cross-cultural, Honors Program, Campus Ministries—these all end. I’m no longer a part of them. They are a part of who I’ve become, but my four years are up. My relationships, fortunately, will not end and for that I’m extremely grateful. Today they’ll be represented by hugs. Hugs for a job well done these last four years and for a whole wonderful life ahead of us!
Thank you, EMU. I think I’m ready to graduate.
