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Like many others this June, I attended a university convocation but, for the first time, as faculty.
What a pleasure. Joyful, even. Also cringe—most public ceremonies are inherently (no cynicism intended) performative. And also this: humbling. Nothing makes a guy feel more dense than being surrounded by incredibly smart people. But (like me) if your safe space has always been at school, so so so worth the lingering imposter syndrome.
After their tassels were moved from the right to the left and their bachelors' degrees official, one of the PhDs said something like this to those graduates: "you've just joined a community; welcome, and for those who might perceive it as an exclusive group, let's clear that up. Like all of the faculty on stage, whatever their degrees, you just became a life-long problem-solver with one overarching goal: better the world. As someone whose safe (and comfortable) space is learning more, I heard that.
Dear friends, PhD or whatever, less procrastinating and more get out there in the world to enhance, advance, uplift.
I didn't get the mortar board and tassel experience. I wonder if my uni has changed their protocol. It seemed modern and right at the time to dispense with some traditions in a newer university.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't attend any of my convocations so this one felt like it filled something in for me.
DeleteExcellent advice.
ReplyDeleteGood sign, eh?
DeleteGreat advice, now share it!
ReplyDeleteYes to that.
DeleteI could relate to your post, but the video screen shot really spoke to me!
ReplyDeleteIt's quite a mic drop, isn't it?
DeleteI really liked the shift from describing the ceremony itself to reflecting on what it actually means to belong to that community. The line about becoming a lifelong problem-solver stood out because it turns a degree from an endpoint into a responsibility. Also, your comment about feeling humbled in a room full of brilliant people felt very relatable. Out of curiosity, what was the most memorable moment of the day for you once the formalities were over?
ReplyDeleteCatching up with my students...hearing about their plans and dreams.
Delete...as a boomer, we set off to change the world for the better. What a job we did!
ReplyDeleteBoomers gonna boom. ;) All generations have hits and misses.
DeleteGlad to read that this filled something for you. Happy Weekend!
ReplyDeleteIt did! Thank you. Well said.
Delete❤️
DeleteI heard that, too. Lovely speech.
ReplyDeleteI hope they heard it too.
DeleteYes, the degree is not the end, but the beginning (or really, a continuation!)
ReplyDeleteAgreed.
DeleteI didn't go to college but that's thought provoking.
ReplyDeleteI'm still thinking about it.
DeleteBest thing at my convocation was my lovely and loved English teacher from high school. She processed and I got a tiny wave. The honorary degree was being given to the Prime Minister of the time, so the university pulled out all the stops. That was 1965, if you can believe it. And, yes, I have tried to be a life long learner.
ReplyDeleteI can't help but wonder whether dyslexic graduates move their tassels from the left to the right.
ReplyDeleteThat's great advice, problem solving is always good, there needs to be more of this happening in our world, have a nice week.
ReplyDelete