Doubling Up

So, it’s like this.

I’ve just finished a joint communications degree program — I basically BOGO’d my education. In short, I get a degree from the Uni of Winnipeg and a diploma from Red River College. I’m happy, my family is happy, and I’m sure that you’re relatively happy too. But with graduating from 2 institutions comes a conundrum:

2 convocations. This is fine in and of itself but there’s a Shyamalan twist to go along with it: they’re on the same day.

Your eyes doth not deceive thee. They are, in fact, both on June 7.

One in the morning, one in the evening. I will literally be graduating from morning till night. It’s a little much, but I’ll do it because it’s a big day. Less so for myself and more for my parents, friends and family — those who helped me get to this point.

It’s still a milestone for sure, and I’m glad to be there, but I don’t get to watch myself walk across the stage — that’s everyone else. This is a day many people in my life are waiting for, and I’m doing the same for others, friends and family alike. It’s the same for virtually every graduand this year. And that’s why it’s important.

For just as much work as you did, you couldn’t have done it without the people around you, and they deserve some recognition for that.

So although the herding process and “hurry up and wait” approach to 1 graduations, much less 2, can be a little a grating in the moment, you have to remember the real reason you’re doing it. It’ll keep you going.

– Mike