Items

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  2021-02-24T13:24:52

  A 2020 Senior's Experience

  Link to my Story https://eaglefgcu-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/vdearmas2389_eagle_fgcu_edu/EfbXTEMivQhBlns1iufe0PUBKjsdXqzsQvBkamaxWh4YAg?e=IwR5k3
• 2021-01-24

  My Student Staff Lost Their Graduations

  I manage a staff of Math and Science student tutors for one of the Arizona State University campuses. In early 2020, five of my staff were seniors who started to get excited about their upcoming May graduations. As COVID-19 started spreading, they began to worry that their commencements would not take place. Sadly, they were correct. It was heartbreaking watching them try to accept that their last four to five years of study would not culminate into the graduations they were so looking forward to experiencing. I tried to comfort them by reminding them that all of their hard work these last several years was about to pay off in a future that would provide them many opportunities to succeed. It did not comfort them. Next, I tried to put into words that although their disappointment was valid, their ultimate goal was not walking across a stage but instead to realize their dreams of becoming scientists, mathematicians, medical doctors, etc. It did not help. In the end, it was what it was. There was nothing I could say to make them feel better. In retrospect, what could possibly have been said to comfort these students who may very well have been the first group since the Spanish Flu pandemic that would not experience a traditional university graduation? This was not a time for words. It was just a time to be there if they needed someone to listen and vent to without judgement. True to form, these five did apply to medical and graduate schools, and forensic science positions. I know great things are in store for them. Hopefully, if this pandemic has taught them anything, it is perseverance in the face of adversity. To not give up and keep moving forward.
• 
  2020-09-20

  Radika Barot Oral History, 2020/09/20

  It is the experience the average high school senior had during the Corona Virus Pandemic recorded on voice memo by interviewer.
• 
  2020-06-22

  Covid Class of 2020: Campus Philly's Virtual Yearbook for College Grads

  The Class of 2020 didn't get the pomp and circumstance they deserve, but that didn't stop them from celebrating. Campus Philly wanted to take that celebration one step further by recognizing graduates from colleges and universities in the Philadelphia region with a Class of 2020 prize pack. We asked students to submit an anecdote about what they are most proud of following their undergraduate career, along with their graduation photos. We heard from 83 students, and created Philly’s first ever virtual yearbook to recognize the hard work they put in over the last four years. We sent students a variety of prizes, including gift cards, laundry bags, Red Bulls, and gift certificates for a celebratory dinner. One lucky winner even got a shout out from Philadelphia Eagles player Boston Scott! Campus Philly is so glad to have played a small role in making the Class of 2020's graduation a memorable experience.
• 
  2020-06-13

  As the Army Goes Rolling Along

  Recalled to campus for the annual commencement ceremony by order of the commander-in-chief, these West Point cadets march out onto the green wearing face masks to prevent infection. Just days before the ceremony, a number of cadets tested positive for the virus, underscoring the reality that no place is out of COVID-19's long reach.
• 
  2020-06-13

  West Point's COVID Class of 2020

  Despite New York's distinction as the nation's first major COVID-19 epicenter, and the US Military Academy's decision to depopulate their campus during the pandemic, the President of the United States insisted upon an in-person graduation ceremony, even though countless high schools and universities had shifted to virtual commencements to safeguard against a viral outbreak. Nevertheless, the soon-to-be-commissioned 2nd lieutenants maintained social distancing throughout the official ceremony, as is seen here during the president's commencement address. Throughout the pandemic, public health officials have warned against large gatherings due to their proclivity for easy and rapid coronavirus transmission, but that did not stop this president from ordering this commencement or planning mass political rallies.
• 
  2021-05-31

  Unique graduation for college graduates during a pandemic

  UCI announces Unique graduation for college graduates during a pandemic that killed over 100,000 ppl in the USA
• 
  2020-05-12

  COVID-19: Creating an Alternative Commencement!

  In communities across the world, children dream of their high school graduation and walking across a stage to receive a diploma. The graduating class of 2020, unfortunately will not share this moment with many classes before them as graduations and all public gatherings have been cancelled during this spring and early summer. This disruption and breach from tradition reveals how we have taken the ritual of graduation for granted as well as many other ceremonies. Society loves ceremony, and while the act of a young adult being handed a piece of paper is not the pinnacle of their accomplishment, the ceremony signifies a rite of passage. Parents and/or caretakers watch the person they have raised receive a credential. Walking across the stage is a momentous point, and for many marks the end of the gestation period. In addition, it recognizes the students’ work and potential, launching them forward into the world. Without this ceremony, students lack the moment that defines a separation of the previous chapter from the next one. Teachers and administrators at some high schools have made “commencement signs” to supplement graduation, and by planting the signs in seniors’ lawns, schools have created an alternate ceremony to officialize the role exit of students. Because our culture loves ceremonies dearly, we feel compassion for high school seniors who are being compromised by the virus and deprived of celebration. The commencement signs in graduates' front yards display students who have the achieved status of completing their formal education, and it reminds us, in a time of introspective isolation, to not lose pride for others or forget our youth. Graduates are like warriors with their positive spirits and persistence through this difficult and adverse time and are being appreciated in a novel way. The signs show us that while many things in our world are currently paused, these students are not, which I feel is a beacon of hope for the future.
• 
  2020-04-29

  My Personal Entry

  It has been three weeks now since I've been home from school. Three weeks since my friends, girlfriend, dorm room, and the rest of my sophomore year was stripped from me. Before it happened we prayed that it wouldn’t. That we’d be able to finish our school year out. That after we left for spring break we’d be able to see each other again. Now instead of wishing my senior friends, and girlfriend, goodbye with hugs and a wave as they cross the stage at commencement, the best I could do was a “good luck” post on social media. We are all doing our best to stay strong during this hard time. However, it’s okay to be sad. Just because collectively bad things are happening to everyone, doesn’t make you or I selfish for being sad about our own personal troubles. I’ve had too many friends so far start to slip and breakdown because they ignore their feelings of loss and sadness. Here is the last photo I took with my girlfriend before the quarantine. We’ve been together for six months. I don’t know when I’ll see her again.
• 
  2020-03-21

  Suffolk commencement pushed until at least August

  The Suffolk Journal, Suffolk University's student run newspaper, reports on Suffolk's decisions around campus during the pandemic.
• 
  03/22/2020

  They Canceled Commencement

  Image of text chat that discusses the canceling of Tufts University commencement and shows graduate in cap and gown with clown makeup on in response. Meant to highlight how several graduates around the country feel as their events are canceled in the face of the pandemic. #HIST5241
• 
  2020-03-26

  They Canceled Commencement Reaction

  Image shows an experience that is relatable to many people graduating from high school, college, or graduate school. This piece highlights the many emotions students have, and how they have been impacted in this moment.