Next Friday, sometime after 5 pm, I will have a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the University of Oregon. I’m going to walk and have a cap and gown and everything–I just borrowed the costume from a friend. I was supposed to buy a green braid for $12 too, because I’m graduating with honors, but it seemed like a scam. A lot of what comes up around graduation have seemed like scams. You can spend thousands of dollars on costumes and invitations and rings and memberships in various societies, not to mention airfare, lodging, and party supplies for friends and relatives coming from around the country. I have to admit to being a bit cynical about the whole thing. I only decided a couple weeks ago that I was going to walk. I went to the ceremony for the psych department last year and was not moved by it. Plus, I’m a little disappointed in how little you have to know to graduate from college. You can learn a lot, if you set your mind to it, but you don’t have to. I doubt you could graduate without being able to read, write and do some math, but I know for certain that you don’t have to do any of them well.
But I changed my mind. First, I was nominated to speak at the ceremony. I didn’t get the gig, but it seemed possible for a while, and I thought it would be a great challenge to come up with something good to say, and deliver it effectively. That would make the ceremony meaningful for me, and it would be weird to speak but not walk. And then when I started thinking about it I liked the idea more and more. Doing my honors thesis in the last year I’ve made several friends in my graduating class. We’ve been through the wringer together and supported each other and I feel really warmly towards them. I’ve also gotten to know some of the faculty and grad students in the department. And I have a bunch of good friends in Springfield and Eugene now, from dancing and music and Not Back to School Camp. It would be great to see them all in one place. I sent an email invitation to everyone nearby who I have an address for. I have no idea who will show up, I’m looking forward to seeing whoever does. (If you live in the area but did not get the email, I’m sorry. I may not have your address. Please come!)
Then there’s the importance of graduating itself. That I’m not so sure about. I love going to school. I love learning. I’m chronically curious. My getting a BS is about as momentous as skiing a lot is to someone who loves to ski. A couple of my friends who are graduating with me will be the first people in their families ever to graduate from college, and I can see that that makes a difference. My family has graduate degrees within a few generations on both sides, and everyone I’ve met in my family could easily have gotten a graduate degree if they’d been interested. They just haven’t been interested. Can I feel pride about this? I’m not sure. I think I’m going to give it a try. I have made the most of it. I have truly applied myself, learned a mountain of information, learned how to conduct scientific research, made myself into a much better reader and writer and more rigorous and open-minded thinker. I’ve also gotten myself into a graduate program in which I intend to become a strong and resourceful ally for couples and families. That is stuff to be proud about.
June 6, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Well, I’m proud of you, Nate! I’ve always been proud of you! Everything you give your attention to, you do well. And I don’t need a college to tell me that. I’ve known it ever since you were a little kid. But, I know you have earned this degree with a lot more sweat and determination than the average college student, since you hold yourself to a very high standard, and that, for you, it is an achievement worth celebrating. I realize it’s just a brief platform, or resting place, before you begin another climb to reach your ultimate goal. But, while you’re resting, enjoy the view! We’ll be cheering loudly here in Joshua Tree!
June 6, 2009 at 10:39 pm
I give you full props for your accomplishment, Nathen. And the way you really engaged the process in such a whole-hearted and truly curious and industrious way sets a great example. I think I’m going to be able to attend your graduation, but I can relate to your sentiments about the hootenanny. After all, “education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire” right??
-still, congratulations!!!!
June 7, 2009 at 10:24 am
Nate-
I am also very proud of you. You have explored your abilities and desires, and found a specialty that resonates well with you. Then, you have persisted, with little outside help, to follow that path. That’s what I call maturity. Let this step be a large and intentional step in discovering your purpose in life.
Onward and Upward
June 8, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Wow, what an honor to be nominated to speak! Do you know who will be speaking at the commencement instead? What would you have talked about if you had been picked?
June 8, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Yes, I thought it was an honor to be nominated, too. Like I said, it’s what got me thinking seriously about the graduation ceremony in the first place.
I really don’t know what I would have said. Maybe I should take up the challenge and write a speech even though it would only appear on my blog. My initial ideas were all pretty dark, along the lines of “Welcome to your new lives working in restaurants, coffee shops, and retail…” but that’s what got me thinking: Wait a minute, I just did this thing that has been really valuable, and not just as a stepping stone to graduate school…. I think it would be good for me to come up with something that I could say to everyone, too, not just the super nerds like me. I think I do have a valuable perspective, too, having gone through one college career already. I’ll have to give that some thought.
June 8, 2009 at 11:23 pm
It’s important to celebrate one’s achievements in life! No one really cares if you’re wearing a cap and gown or if you have your green cord (I didn’t buy my cords either), but just having your peers and teachers recognize your accomplishments is a good thing. And you only get one chance to go to your own graduation ceremony for your B.S.
We’ll be thinking of you!
June 9, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Nathen!
That is so funny about
“welcome to your new lives working in restaurants…” Now I really want to hear the speech that you would have given… even if it’s tongue-n-cheek!
June 11, 2009 at 12:48 pm
I’m really happy for you, Nathen! You’ve worked hard; I doubt there will be a more well earned degree awarded anywhere this graduation season. It’s just more proof of what people around you already knew: You are super flippin’ smart!
Congratulations, Nate!
P.S. Make sure Gabe gets a picture!