Graduation, Performance and the Pursuit of Dignity
Graduation exercises are grounded in a culture where students become props in a performance meant to validate a broken education system than to celebrate the achievements of students. Let us not fool ourselves; graduation exercises at both the primary and secondary levels of the education system are not about the grandaunts. Graduations are special events. What happens after the flash of the cameras go quiet, the balloons burst and the crowd disperses? In many instances, graduations are viewed as rites of passage. Rites of passage are important indicators of transition culminating in adulthood. Graduations are often grounded in great expectations not only for the grandaunts but also for their parents, guardians and well wishers. Many graduates over the years of formal schooling developed strong connections to both their educational institutions and friends. Formal schooling is much more than academics and scholarships. Life-long friendships are often cemented in the hallowed avenue...