Graduations are significant moments in our lives. It’s a day we never thought would come, and then arrives all too suddenly. It’s a turning point when we determine the fate of the next few years of our lives.The students who are graduating Saturday will join the 105,867 Vandals who have graduated since 1894. It’s a day to celebrate their accomplishments and wish them luck in the future. But sometimes the celebration of December commencement is lost in the midst of finals and bleak winter weather.
The 448 seniors who will don their caps and gowns Saturday is a puny amount in comparison to the 1,365 students who graduated in May. Commencement traditionally takes place in May, when the majority of students conclude their college careers. It makes sense that winter commencement is much smaller, but a smaller ceremony doesn’t mean those students who choose to graduate in December deserve less pomp and circumstance.
Graduating in December might be a more financially responsible choice for students who can’t afford to pay another semester of ever-increasing tuition. It might mean students took an outrageous amount of credits during their time in college to graduate a semester early. Or maybe an extra semester was needed to finish up a minor or double major. Whatever the reason, they have worked just as hard to graduate as any student.
The friendly atmosphere and small student population at the University of Idaho is something almost everyone mentions when asked why they chose to attend UI. It’s the Vandal family — the idea you will be taken care of and have a support group when you are away from your own family. The Vandal family is important as a freshman, but it is important as a senior too.
Transitioning to the real world from college is a challenge, just like transitioning from high school to college. The students who graduate Saturday may have jobs lined up, or they may spend months searching. They will be getting married, raising families and pursuing careers. It’s the same challenges the rest of us will face in May, December graduates are just getting a head start.
So set a few hours aside from studying for finals Saturday to attend winter commencement. Say good-bye to the friends, classmates and rivals who shaped your own college career and take pride in their accomplishments because in the end, we’re all Vandals.
— EE