Commencing
I love this day.
I love the ceremony. Marching to hymns with more verses than I ever knew existed. Feeling the organ music in your feet. Watching those extra-tall ectomorphic boys leading us with the banners and flags.
I love the gaudiness. One day a year we teachers dress like old scholars. Each degree’s garb is a kind of brass ring to goad and inspire. First, the black rayon for the Bachelor (a big step from the high-schoolers matching poly-gowns). The tippet sleeve for the Master (great storage for car keys, graduation programs, and snacks). And the velvety, lavish doctoral gown with sleeves so big you can sit on and catch them on stair rails. I love that you can never hood yourself; you need help to don the whole costume. We all need help, otherwise the hood will be crooked or upside-down.
I love the energy during Commencement. The hugely sincere grins, hearty hugs, and easy congrats everywhere. I even got a congrats today from a befuzzled pair of happy grandparents.
It’s just a blessing to punctuate each year rejoicing with these dear souls ripe with promise. I love these students. I am so blessed. Congrats m’dears. Well done.
cklewis on May 5th, 2007 | File Under Remember | 1 Comment -