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Commentary: To walk or not to walk, that's the question
by Rebecca King
Every student who sets the goal of attaining a college degree should take the walk across a stage
that symbolically takes one from student to graduate. If you are a 22-year-old graduating four years
after your high school graduation, you should walk leaving your 16-plus years of schooling behind as
you enter the next phase of your life.
If you attended night school for years while continuing to work full time to support your family,
you should walk with pride to receive a diploma for determination. And if you are a housewife who
returned to school after 25 years of raising a family, you should walk with your head held high to
show that dreams never die.
There are some who say that walking at UH-Clear Lake is not the same as walking at the University
of Houston, the University of Texas, Rice University or others.
They say that because we are not a four-year school or because we do not have a mascot there is not
the same sense of school pride. They say that because many of our students are older and attend part
time that "the walk"is not that important. Nonsense.
Regardless of your age, or whether you wear UH-Clear Lake sweatshirts to show your school support,
walking is for you. You have worked hard, sacrificed, given your time and energy, and deserve this
final act in your collegiate career. Your family, who has stood by you during the long hours of
studying and who offered both emotional and financial support, deserves to watch you take this
coveted walk.
A college diploma is a mark of distinction that opens doors, sets you apart and offers an
incredible feeling of accomplishment. How could you receive it without pomp and circumstance? The
diploma, itself, deserves the ceremony.
Throughout history, religions, societies, cultures and organizations have marked milestones,
accomplishments and big events with ceremonies and traditions to immortalize these moments.
From weddings and inaugurations to initiations and graduations, we need to take special events
to a symbolic level in order to mark the auspicious occasion.
You set a goal - a lofty goal - and you reached it. You studied hard, worked hard and hit your
mark. Now, walk the stage of the educated and then toss your cap high. Revel in it. Strut your stuff.
Shout for joy. Have a party in your honor. Take a trip. Then, you can focus on your career.
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