Graduation is a few months from now.
Though commencement, for us, is a non-event, many of its rituals still ring of reality and, yes, authenticity.
Like the actual live ceremonies, including the tasseled hat, robe, and well-printed diploma (notice: It’s not an electronic replica).
As well as the speech, singular and plural, from the well-known and near-famous. Who could forget Steve Jobs’ YouTubed advice: “Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.” Or Tim Cook’s encomium: “The sidelines are not where you want to live your life.”
And the new beginnings of it all, whether throwing Midship-person hats in the air or simply releasing balloons.
As many of our relatives, friends, and family start preparing for that day, we can’t help but draw parallels to work, and to its not-so-unceremonious endings. Celebrating the good things in an office is something that, unfortunately, is done all too rarely. Impromptu festivities aren’t necessarily the mark of many corporate cultures. After all, work is serious stuff and heads’ down is the mantra.
But wouldn’t it make sense to, say, get together with colleagues when a particularly arduous goal has been reached? Or a change milestone accomplished? Even a ‘degree’ in a specific course of study earned?
Graduation memories do bring out the sage in us.