Currently, the world is being run by turmoil. The Coronavirus is spreading rapidly and impacting daily life. More so, over the past week, many colleges and universities throughout the United States of America have decided to move all their classes to online formats. In addition to this, some colleges and universities have made the decision to cancel their graduation or possibly hold “virtual” commencements (Some US Colleges Cancel, Postpone Graduation Over Virus).

Many students of Bridgewater College, in Bridgewater, Virginia, have already voiced their concerns about not having a graduation or having a “virtual” commencement. The overwhelming majority has been asking that we hold our graduation. As it has already been shared that it will not happen at the originally planned date, we ask that you reschedule commencement.

As seniors, we have poured the last several years of our lives into our goal of graduating and receiving our diplomas. To the students, commencement was going to be a time of celebration, a time of reflection, and a time of sharing bittersweet farewells. We ask that you do not allow COVID-19 to take this away from us. We refuse to let COVID-19 have the power to define our final semester of college. 

Additionally, this not only affects students, but staff, faculty, alumni, friends, and family as well. They have supported us as we strive towards our goals. Do not take away this opportunity for them to see their support come to fruition and celebrate with us. 

In the meantime, to all the students, keep working hard and pushing towards attaining your degree. Do not let COVID-19 have the power. Finish the semester strong and bounce back even stronger. We may be a small community here at Bridgewater College, but we are a strong one.

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