Alexis Senge JohnsonIn 2005 I graduated college with my undergraduate degree and instead of walking across the stage, which I had done in 2001 and 2002, I chose to skip graduation and go to Las Vegas for a family trip. Maybe I subconsciously knew it wouldn’t be my last chance at a grandiose graduation celebration, but regardless I chose to go on a vacation to honor all my hard work instead of parading across another stage. After all, that was something I was doing for a living at that point.
It felt right at the time and I still stand by that decisions because in 2010, after years of hard work on my graduate degree while also working full time and going through big life changes simultaneously, I got my chance at all the pomp and circumstance of a university graduation. Now, looking at the University of Central Florida 2020 graduates, I wonder if I would have felt upset if it was my graduation that wasn’t allowed to happen in the tradition sense due to the COVID-19.
The trip to Las Vegas was a pretty awesome one full of family memories that kept me from ever feeling like I was missing out. It was a bit like getting to tailor my own celebration for all I accomplished, but that’s not an option the class of 2020 will get. Putting myself in their shoes, even for just a moment, I’d imagine their is a lot of anger and sadness going through the heads of those missing out.
It’s not just the students that might have been looking forward to walking across that stage. It’s the parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents that may have waited a lifetime to see the first generation of their family get a college degree handed to them. It’s the brothers and sisters that will be encouraged and proud watching a sibling complete such a milestone. It’s the friends that met along the way that will share another big moment together, clad in caps and gowns, and know this is just the start to the exciting adventure ahead.
While I’m sure this is going to be a tough reality for not just college seniors but also high school seniors, I also know that this is something that can set the tone for the rest of their lives if they let it. This is their opportunity to find a positive ray of sunshine in the midst of the swirling storm. A chance to prove that nothing can hold them back as they move forward coming out of this.
To the class of 2020, take the bull by the horns and use the fire inside you right now to propel you forward when the dust settles and life can resume in a more typical fashion. You are meant for greatness and, while it’s okay to have all the feelings right now about what you are missing out on, I’m here to tell you that not walking across that stage will not define who you become. (Trust me, the regularly bullied kid that left her dreaded high school experience early and then skipped her own college graduation, because even I was lucky enough to have a surprising career path and become an Executive Director by the age of 35.)
You have the power to control your path and set your intention for your future. You will be stronger because of what you’re experiencing right now. Don’t let COVID-19 defeat you because it doesn’t define your career success. Your path might change and your journey may take you in new directions, but you are the one at the helm of your ship and have full control over your destiny.
