As a senior in college, it has been a challenge to get to this point of graduating however I was slowly seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. A celebration for my hard work and dedication was drawing near. I will be the first in my family to receive a Bachelors degree. However, it won’t be celebrated with a cap and gown, a beautiful picture to share with family and friends holding my colleges degree folder, and having my close family and friends there to watch it all unfold. No, it will be celebrated virtually with a few speakers, no walking, no commencement, no pictures, and no family watching me walk across that stage for one of the biggest moments in my life. 

I personally know many that are in High school and College who are friends and family that have their own stories but share this same feeling of disheartenment. I understand the times that we are currently facing. I understand how difficult it must be to make all of these decisions in such a fluid pandemic. I understand that most decisions are rather difficult to make. While I am not discrediting all of the work that our schools have put in for the safety of their students and to adhere to these changes, I feel as though students, parents, and families were not taken into consideration when the decision of virtual commencement was made. In fact, no students that I am aware of (including myself) were even asked if this would be an acceptable option. We are the ones who worked so diligently to be able to walk across that stage and now the option of virtual commencement is suppose to make up for that? Absolutely not. 

Canceling a physical graduation is not the option.
Taking that moment away from a hardworking student is NOT the option.
Not giving an option to postpone to celebrate the student in a live setting is NOT an option.
I don’t think people are taking into consideration how HARD students worked for that degree/diploma. They have a right to walk and celebrate. Not do it virtually. That’s a slap to the face to the student. This is truly disheartening to watch unfold. I feel for you students and trust me when I say, I hear you and I’m fighting with you. You didn’t choose to go through this troubling time with COVID-19 so you shouldn’t be forced to settle. You deserve more. YOU are worth a change.

The purpose of this petition is not to show a sense of entitlement however you are entitled to have a choice. Would you please sign this petition in agreement to postpone physical/live graduation at a later time to give these students and families the well deserved opportunity to celebrate this momentous occasion that not everyone gets to accomplish? Please be sure to share with everyone you know to bring change to this! 

Thank you very much and have a wonderful day! 

Sincerely,

A class of 2020 graduating senior in College.