Graduation: A tribute for parents, not the graduates

It's that time of year, where students toss caps, books and old papers! It's the culmination of long nights, cramped fingers, and 10-page papers and/or exams. It's graduation time!!!!!!! 

One would think that graduation is for the student and not the parent(s) but all you have to do is attend a few parties and you will discover the opposite is true. At least this seems to be the case for high school and undergraduate college graduations. This is probably because you suffer through high school under your parents' and even the government's (if you want to drive ) watchful eyes. Then after leaving high school you MUST  earn a bachelor's degree because it's the new high school diploma.

The entire family, extended family, coworkers, and friends are dragged to the HS and undergraduate commencement ceremonies. They are clapping, screaming, and crying, while you sit through a long drawn out presentation sweating in a gown, waiting for your turn to glide across the stage. All the while your people are screaming, "That's my baby!" and motioning for you to turn and smile for the camera.

As if that weren't enough, you are smothered with kisses, hugs, tears, and sermonettes of how you were a challenge to raise. You talked back to the teachers, and were forced to do your homework every night. Thank God  for the ongoing support and prayers  of "the village" because we never thought we would see this day....

The only graduations that are for you, the student, are when you earn either a master's or doctorate degree. These are the degrees you earn because you want to evolve and specialize in one area. These are the degrees you know are going to take extra time. The degrees where your parents tell you, "We paid  for the first one. You're on your own with this one."  

Even your girlfriends and homeboys give you the raised eyebrow at the mere mention of the "M & D" words.  With these degrees you sacrifice vacations, career experience, or even the creation of a family. You don't earn these degrees without intrinsic motivation because a lot of people are not going to understand your desire to obtain advanced degrees. Don't get it twisted, although people will question your sanity, they will tend to admire your tenacity. 

Either way, whatever commencement ceremony or party you attend this year, take time out to say congratulations to the honoree.  And on your way out the door, don't forget to tell the parent(s) a job well done!