Senior Goodbyes: Thanks for the memories, but please do better CWU
June 1, 2022
As my time as an undergrad at CWU comes to a close, I would like to take a bit of everyone’s time for thanks and a final hot take.
First, I want to thank everyone who has helped me succeed and get to this point. I couldn’t be prouder of myself for finally finishing this, and going to a university I always wanted to go to. My college experience may have looked different in my mind, but it doesn’t negate the amazing time I’ve had here.
Now on to my final hot take. I find it absolutely terrible that CWU didn’t open up the stage for past graduates. Sure, not many would probably even want to come back just to walk a stage for a diploma they’ve already received in the mail.
However, it’s a great disservice to those who would want to. It seems like such a simple thing to do, to open up the ceremony registration to include past graduates of 2020 and 2021.
It seems like a simple gesture for people who have paid the institution thousands of dollars for their education and were celebrated with virtual ceremonies that involved 10 second videos of graduates saying goodbye. Several institutions nationwide had special ceremonies for past graduates.
To CWU: Thank you for the education and the great experiences. Please do better. I want to stay proud of this institution that has had such a great impact on both my childhood and adult life. I hope to see more growth in diversity and equity. I hope to see funding for programs addressed. I hope to see more transparency between students and administration, both university administration and student administration (here’s looking at you ASCWU).
To fellow graduates: Congratulations, we did it. We completed this college experience while navigating a difficult global landscape. This is proof that you can persevere through almost anything, so don’t let anything come in your way. I’m excited to see where you all end up.
To COVID graduates: I’m so sorry for the short stick you got. I wish you were here to celebrate with us. I wish you were here to walk with us. You’ll all be on my mind on June 11.