Graduation!

Midway through Spring semester is the time when I start to notice a special kind of energy on our campus.  Crocuses and tulips poke their heads up from a long, cold slumber to welcome the nicer weather.  Students socialize outside:  talking, playing guitar, kicking around a hacky-sack.  Heavy outer layers give way to lighter jackets and sweaters.  Hard-working groundspeople sweep away the vestiges of winter, plant flower beds and mow the first grass of the season.  Students buckle down and spend more time in the computer labs and with tutors.  Every member of the campus community (in one way or another) is in high-gear, preparing for the end of the academic year and graduation.

Graduate celebrating her Disney Internship experience

The notable chicken wing hat

Every May, we celebrate the successes of our students who earn their certificate or degree by having our pomp and circumstance in Proctor's Theatre, an opulent, historic venue that has a rich and varied history which dates all the way back to Vaudeville days.  Faculty don academic regalia.  Family and friends fill the balcony and happy hoots and hollers for their loved ones sound like music.  Students look regal in their black robes; some decorate their caps, while at least one Culinary Arts grad wears rubber food on his head and Fire Protection students lose the mortar board and proudly sport their protective helmets (complete with tassel) instead.  A beautifully catered reception follows, and graduation parties are eagerly anticipated.  It's a joyous occasion for everyone involved.

Firefighters mean business!

For many students, however, what accompanies this rite of passage are conflicting feelings of joy, relief, eager anticipation, fear, worry and sadness.

"I have my degree!  GO me!"  versus "I have my degree...now what?" 

"Can't wait to start my new job next week!"  versus "I don't have a job yet...what am I going to do?" 

"I can't wait to transfer in the Fall!" versus "I love SCCC...I don't want to leave!" versus "I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing in the Fall."

Graduating students who struggle with the next chapter can turn it around by being proactive.  Visits to the Opportunity Zone can assist with resume writing, interview skills and making important career connections.  An appointment with our Transfer Counselor can provide guidance with making a solid plan to continue one's education.  Talking about these conficting feelings with a Counselor can help sort out these concerns, and morph them into hope and eager anticipation of what's to come.

In other words, it's not too late.

To every one of our graduates:  Warm and heartfelt congratulations on your remarkable accomplishments, given the many responsibilities you managed to juggle.  Regardless of whether you have concrete plans for the next few months, you deserve to feel proud of the knowledge, skills, talents and abilities you've acquired and honed during the short time you were here. (Cue the applause!) 

All of us at SCCC are proud of you, too.  Damn proud. 

Best wishes for the adventure that lies ahead.


(c)2013 Robyn M. Posson.  All Rights Reserved.