The graduating class of 2020 showed their resilience and strength during a challenging end of the academic year. In March 2020, campus closures forced virtual student life. Graduation ceremonies were handled with drive-by deliveries and neighborhood parades. In 2021, many seniors are facing a similar fate for their graduation ceremonies.
Many colleges plan to hold in-person, socially distanced graduation ceremonies with limited attendees. However, several universities will continue to host commencement virtually. Both options are probably not what students expected but both options still come with a diploma!
Driving around Columbus, OH, it seems like almost every yard has a sign touting an accomplishment. When I was graduating, my parents put up a flag that we called the “honor flag” – something my father had when he was a child. Of course, now the signs are custom signs with names and pictures. On my street, we have a kindergarten graduate and a senior graduate. The senior graduate will be attending BGSU in the fall!
Seeing all the graduation announcements made me head down memory lane for my own graduation. I graduated from Bay High School, and four years later I graduated from The Ohio State University. At both ceremonies, I had my parents, grandparents, and cousins. When I graduated from college, I started my job here, at TextbookRush, two days later! The two days before I started my job, I spent with my best friend. We went shopping, watched movies, and stayed up way too late. For my first day at work, I wore an outfit that I had purchased with her at the outlet mall.
I asked my colleagues to share some of their memories:
“I had a graduation party! It wasn’t a big party but it was nice to be with family and friends. My girlfriend at the time never showed up…”
Jason H.
“A few weeks after graduating from OSU, I decided to hit the road for an epic road trip to Mexico City. My mom and future wife flew down to Houston and met up with me, my Uncle and two of my cousins. The six of us loaded up in their Honda Odyssey and drove from Houston to Mexico City. The main purpose of the trip was to celebrate the 25th wedding anniversary of my Aunt and Uncle. My aunt spared herself the hardship of the 18-hour drive and flew down. My aunt and uncle were married in Mexico City”.
Kevin D.
“After my High School graduation, my class packed up and basically went house to house for parties. There were only 28 of us in my class.”
Connor D.
No matter what graduation looks like for you this year, I hope you enjoy it. I hope you take a moment to celebrate with loved ones. I hope you take a moment to look back on your education and feel pride in what you have accomplished. Most of all, I hope you are safe!
From all of us at TextbookRush – Congratulations and good luck on your future endeavors!
