With the cancellation of in-person graduation in May, many December graduates predicted their graduation ceremony would be taking place virtually as well.
That prediction was confirmed on Oct. 14 when the university officially announced that fall commencement exercises scheduled for Dec. 12 would be held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“I was honestly expecting it to happen after the one in May got cancelled,” said ETSU senior Keaton Johnson.
Johnson pointed out that there are theme parks open for business and churches holding regular service.
“But I can’t do a once-in-a-lifetime thing that I’ve dreamed about doing since forever,” said Johnson.
He finds the contrast unfair, but most graduates, Johnson included, are understanding despite continuing to mourn the loss of a traditional graduation ceremony.
Narges Sareh is a doctoral student graduating after five years at ETSU.
“I was looking forward to it a little bit, but then I understand why they are doing it virtually, too,” said Sareh.
Diane Mallett-Birkitt, a master’s student, has a different view.
“I never intended to do a graduation ceremony,” said Mallett-Birkitt. “I’ve graduated several times from other things.”
Mallett-Birkitt, because of her former, traditional graduation experiences, does not feel as if she is missing out on a formative experience.
Despite graduation being virtual, Johnson is looking forward to graduating.
“I’ve got stuff planned with my family that I’m going to do after I graduate,” said Johnson.
Johnson and Sareh are looking ahead by beginning the intimidating search for a job.
“I’m looking forward to getting into doing what I really like, like doing research and getting a job,” Sareh said
Mallett-Birkitt said she has been working on an application to a doctoral program at Ohio State University, but she has also taken a laid-back stance on her next steps.
“Whatever happens in the universe will be okay with me,” said Mallett-Birkitt.
Johnson said he is ready to be on the same level as his peers who have already graduated.
“A lot of my friends are older, and they’ve been graduated for a while, and so it’s just going to be nice to be on the same level as them and have more things in common,” said Johnson.
