Graduation weekend was not at all what I expected. I didn’t attend university, opting for a bank account of money, as opposed to a twenty-seven thousand pound debt. However, each to their own. Three years ago my sister was accepted into Manchester Metropolitan University and graduated 22nd July 2019. Although I am extremely proud of my younger sibling’s achievements I can’t help but think “Graduation Day”, a day of purposefulness, fulfillment, gratuity, the end of a life’s chapter and the beginning of a new chapter… was all just a bit… lame.
Here’s why.
The cost behind everything for a student to attain a “proud” picture is substantially extortionate. The robes are rented, and the backdrop, props, etc. are all essentially rented too, as an abominable fee is charged for the photo. This is all done before graduation day. Yep. All these “proud” graduation day pictures on Facebook, Instagram and whatever other social media out there, are simply fake. The scroll or certification they hold is just a piece of paper.
There’s no feeling of power, of respect, of inspiration in holding a blank, rolled up piece of paper, which is not of the worth of your current achievements and future successes in the Alumni and society’s civilised world of opportunity.
Ha.
Whilst I enjoyed the use of my shades in a sunny Manchester, I also enjoyed the opportunity to stand back and observe what should be the proudest day of these young students’ lives. I saw loving families, I saw laughter, I saw happiness, but no overwhelming sense of a fulfilling sensation. No tears of joy. I also saw a great deal too many mobile phones, though that’s for another day – as a short point, I felt as though I was the only person who had taken the red pill that morning.
Moving onto the beautifully constructed theatre, where the presentation would begin and the students would finally collect their degree… you would think.
The teachers, or tutors or whatever other fancy names you wish to call them, made their speeches, some more entertaining than others, though all appreciatively contentful and necessary. I enjoyed one speech in particular by a vice-president bla-di-bla, about the continuity of learning, whether that be extended university, work, home, anywhere and everywhere. It reminded me of a quote by Napoleon Hill, and although I believe I have used it on a previous post, I shall damn well use it again.
“The person who stops studying merely because he has finished school is forever, hopelessly doomed to mediocrity, no matter what may be his calling. The way of success is the way of continuous pursuit of knowledge.”
– Napoleon Hill
Anyway, back to the day’s events. Following the speeches, the students stood as they waited for their name to be called out and receive a handshake.
Wait! What?
A handshake?
Two hours of clapping enthusiastically to see them shake hands with the university’s vice-president and still not receive their Academic Degree Certificate?
Alas, I forget. Most of us live in the virtual, therefore will probably receive a .PDF so that you can download it and print it yourself.
Anyway, that’s over. The sitting around is over. They have done it. Three years of dedicated studying in one singular subject has been completed. It’s the moment we all know and love. The moment in every movie, with a graduation day scene. We’re going to see their hats thrown into the air, smiles, and laughter all around.
Sorry folks. Disappointment yet again. Instead, just many people rushing for the doors as quickly as possible to utilise the water closets. Stick to Disney if you desire fantasy.
Where was the pride, excitement, comradeship or accomplishment?
We proceeded outside to take more damn pictures on our goddamned phones.
As everyone cleared the theatre, they went their own way. Sure there were small pockets of friends, maybe three or four together, although there still wasn’t an aura of community or unity… I’m struggling to find the correct descriptive word… there was so much division.
As a spectator, I saw unity within small groups, yet division on the wider scale. There was no spirit of clansmanship, affinity or wholeness. May I mention we are in a city that has a bar called Peaky Blinders, based on the TV series, a TV series about the strength of a family, gang. So you would think comradeship would be of higher importance.
My mind pondered this throughout the remainder of the evening. Leaning back in The fancy schmancy hipster Ivy restaurant and bar I was questioned about my quiescent facial expressions. I described my observations of the day, and although there was a murmur of agreement, I felt cognitive dissonance was the conclusion and the protective bubble of naivety was far stronger than the desire to see truly the lack of fellowship and bleek, lame contents of the day.
The day really contributed to my views of human segregation and although this post is extremely negative to another’s experience, I assuredly do not wish to take away that inspiration and pride from successful students. I congratulate you all and truly wish you all the best in future endeavors.