YouAlberta
[Editor’s Note: Students and their friends and families are invited to celebrate convocation during the University of Alberta’s first-ever virtual convocation on Friday, June 12 at 10 a.m.]
Dear Class of 2020,
From one graduate to another, I just want to start by saying congratulations, you made it! I am sorry about all of the graduation plans that COVID-19 may have crushed for you, be it returning home, starting your career, celebrating with friends, or attending your convocation ceremony. We’ve worked hard, sacrificed a lot, and I’ve celebrated successes alongside you on campus for the past four years, and I know what it takes to stick it out. To me, your efforts are not invisible or wasted.
After graduating this term, I was planning to move to Vancouver with my boyfriend to work for a year before starting my Master’s degree. Instead, we’ve moved in with my parents until the pandemic passes and we can find jobs. I’m extremely grateful that I have family in Canada and a welcoming home, but you can imagine it’s a bit of an awkward living situation. I imagine that a lot of you are not where you had imagined or hoped to be at this time. I’d hoped that graduating would make me independent but, instead, it’s reminded me how much we as humans rely on one another. So, in a way, there’s no place I’d rather be right now.
We’re all busy and dealing with a lot, but I want to encourage you to reach out for the love you need. I can only imagine how isolated, scared, and frustrated those of you who are separated from your families, friends, and support networks must feel. It’s like we’re caught in a limbo, watching things happen with no control over the people and things that we love. I want you to know that if you reached out to me as a friend, or even just an acquaintance, I’d give you all the love, sympathy, and encouragement I could. I think your friends would too.
One of my biggest disappointments is that I won’t get to take graduation photos or walk across the stage this June. It’s kind of crazy that out of everything, this upsets me the most. But I’ll own it. I didn’t get my grad photos done before campus closed and I really wanted the whole deal with flowers, a cap, and gown. I was looking forward to the in-person convocation ceremony for my family, who has supported me emotionally and financially throughout my degree. My mum is a sucker for awards ceremonies, and it could’ve been our own personal Oscars.
However, the time will come. I will be able to take graduation photos once COVID-19 passes (for now, I might make these graduation cap cookies). We’ll be able to celebrate and participate in the online ceremony on Friday, June 12. The university is going to welcome the class of 2020 back for an in-person celebration. Finally, I will be able to look for a job, and if the economic downturn prohibits it, I will fight alongside you to improve the system so we can find the employment we’ve prepared for. You have shown me talent, passion, and determination during your time here, so, while I’m anxious, I’m not terrified. I know we’ll find a way to live on and make our dreams come true.
Don’t give up — I won’t either! I can’t wait to see what you accomplish.
All the best,
Freya
