Graduating During a Pandemic
by: Ferzeen Ansari ∴ Class of 2021
It was 2020. My best friend had been in university for six years, and was finally graduating. She had been looking forward to that day for a long time, since she would be entering the workforce after. She was in her second last month when the pandemic hit. The last-minute cancellations of events, the lockdown, adjusting to remaining online classes, and submitting the work which would enable her to graduate, all took a toll on her. The graduation got extended, with hopes that it would be held in the summer. Yet, all that ended up happening was her getting her degree in the mail, wrapped in some confetti and a two-sentence thank you note.
It was absolutely ridiculous.
She sent me pictures, and I was extremely upset, so much so that I almost cried.
Graduating is something that we look forward to from the beginning of first year. We already plan ahead as to what it would be like to wear a gown, the place that the event would take place, the family and friends that would be gathered there, and what it would feel like to walk up that stage and finally get the well-deserved reward of our life long effort. University graduation marks the end of the decades long chapter in our life. It marks an achievement that we have worked towards for the longest period of time. It also brings with it hope for the future, and a new beginning that is full of unexplored opportunities. Yet, during that period of transition you realize that all you are going to get is a 4-wall bedroom with you and your computer screen — maybe a virtual hangout (which was uncommon at the time) with your friends… is highly disappointing.
Yet, through this experience we learn a universal phenomenon; learning to be content even in unusual circumstances. To cheer oneself up even when things go in the complete opposite direction of what we were expecting. Good things can come out of unexpected events as well. Even though I felt like crying after looking at the pictures my best friend sent, she got an uninterrupted and well-earned rest after the whirlwind that was the last six years of her life.
The unpredictable situations that we come across in our life are what make it more memorable. Even if you don’t remember your graduation, you will always remember the year 2020 in which you experienced a world-wide pandemic. The unexpected circumstances are indeed a crushing experience that leaves you in shock for a while, but it undoubtedly makes you more mentally and emotionally strong to face the upcoming challenges that life has in store for you.
Ferzeen Ansari is one of the graduates of the York/Sheridan Program in Design class of 2021. Catch Ferzeen’s work showcased at the online graduate showcase on April 20–21. Visit ysdn2021.com for more details.
