REFLECTIONS
Reflections OF GRADUATES
Teresita Bacani-Oropilla, MD
With much anticipation, the great halls are decorated with symbols of the university or college concerned. TVs are strategically placed so all may see. Hymns, patriotic and school songs are being played by select choirs or bands. It is a season of joy when graduations come around.
Graduation ceremonies are tangible proofs of the graduate’ s accomplishments as, dressed in academic robes, he or she processes with professors and classmates to the rousing music of“ Pomp and Circumstance.” Proud parents and kin point out their graduate. It is also the latter’ s day. They helped plan, execute, encourage and sacrifice so this day could come to fruition. Tassels, ribbons and medals attest to their graduate’ s excellence. Parents and especially grandparents brag about the latter, sometimes to the embarrassment of the graduate. But why should they not indulge? These are symbols of diligence and perseverance that their graduate has worked for.
If there be anxiety about what the newly minted graduate will do in the future, it is ameliorated by the fact that they are equipped to face the challenges ahead. They form the corps of the new generation that shape the future of all present.
A lady in her late forties, having raised among others, a neurosurgeon son, goes back to school. She obtains a nursing degree and joins the nursing force of a hospital to the admiration of her kin and grandchildren.
A gentleman who has successfully worked for years finally gets a formal degree to keep a promise he made to his father. Now he has caught the study bug and is taking a master’ s degree for pleasure!
What about the‘ firsts’ of the family to get a college degree? It proves to the rest of the younger siblings and their crowd that such accomplishments are doable. They may follow suit.
How many were coerced by their parents in their younger heydays to become physicians? They eventually loved their profession, did much good, and eventually thanked their parents for their foresight. A little persuasion and the‘ carrot or stick method’ still works in many instances.
So, although it is true that people become successful, some even extremely so without a college education, the latter is training ground to make the best use of one’ s assets. Besides, what gives everyone a high when the band strikes that marching song? A beloved’ s graduation! It is therefore highly recommended! Congratulations to the graduates of 2018 and their villages!
Dr. Bacani-Oropilla is a retired psychiatrist.
Graduation is a milestone in anyone’ s life. 28 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE