Assignment 3-1 Franklin University Graduation

This week we are talking about rituals and I am going to discuss one that is very familiar to all of us, graduation. Graduation is the ultimate goal when a student enters college and I can say proudly that I’m almost there. In just four weeks, I will complete my course study here at Franklin and be eligible to graduate with the “Class of 2009” on August 16, 2009. As a Franklin student, I have a couple of choices.

• Drive to Columbus and participate in the August 16th ceremony
  


• Participate in the ceremony at my local community college
  


• View the graduation ceremony on-line
  

I am so grateful to have been given a variety of ways to celebrate this momentous occasion.

The drive to Columbus is just 2.5 hours from Northeast Ohio. I would have to opportunity to wear my cap and gown and participate in the ceremony. The local college is even closer, just a 30 minute drive. In both cases, I wouldn’t know my professors if they shook my hand. The on-line access to the graduation ceremony is a very interesting concept. Since all of the class work has been completed over the internet, this seems like the most ideal situation.

Of course, I may choose not to participate at all. I’ve been through the graduation ceremony twice before (high school and AAS in college) and each time I was just excited to be done and looking at my life ahead. This time, I can ultimately say that I will be happy to have my weekends back. Like most of the students here at Franklin, I’ve been working a full-time job while trying to obtain my Bachelor’s degree. Therefore, the majority of my work is done in the evening and for many hours on the weekend. I am thrilled to be just weeks away from having free weekends.

With graduation being such an American ritual, am I breaking with protocol if I don’t make the trip? Graduations mean ceremonies, caps, gowns, tassels, and “the ultimate prize,” the diploma. They also mean family get-togethers, parties and the start of a new chapter in one’s life. I’m sure I will have a party, or two, and a huge family gathering. As for the ceremony itself, I think the new chapter in my life calls for a bit of rest and relaxation and some weekends of catching up on what I’ve pushed aside over the last two years.

I will say thank you to Franklin University for advancing my education and opening doors for the future. It has been a great experience and I would recommend it to anyone.