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Commencement: A New Beginning

    This week, across the nation, thousands of high school and college students will put on robes, gowns, and caps with ’04 dangling tassels, to mark their commencement, defined as a beginning, a start. Some have already outlined their journey, while others have no idea of what to do next. As an educator, I believe it is important to continue one’s education, in a higher sense, especially during this pitiful era of economic depression, with so many people being unemployed. We all know that today, a high school diploma is often required for employment, however, we also know that more education is needed, in order to make a decent living.

Some students who did not feel that they were college material, have not applied for admissions at any college or trade school, and perhaps have decided that their best opportunity will come at the counter of the local Mickey D’s. Many do not even see this as a real career move, not realizing that by working at the counter, and attending the local community college, one would eventually position themselves better to move into a management position. Perhaps even a franchise owner in the future. In fact, there are a number of Blacks who own Micky D franchises and other fast food restaurants chains. Students entering college must pay attention to the academic advise they are given, as in some educational settings, usually major predominantly white settings, Black students are often set up for failure when advised to take two or more ween out courses during the same semester, for example, a hard science (physics, chemistry, etc) and a hard math course (calculus, trigonometry). They should take advantage of all the free tutorial services offered and strive to maintain a strong grade point average their first semester. Too many college students are lost during their freshman year and as a result, their grades suffer. If a student falls below a C average, meaning receiving mostly D’s and F’s, they will be placed on academic probation and will be required to sit out of school for a semester. During this time, they cannot be accepted to enroll at another school because of their grades. The money that was paid is lost (whether it is through grants, loans, or mama ‘nem) , and the student has the stigma of “flunking out of college”. Additionally, an appeal must be made in writing to return to the college. Graduating college students who are headed for the job market may be disappointed, because they will find that there are maybe one hundred other recent college graduates, (as well as other unemployed degreed, experienced folk) going after that same one job. I always suggest that graduate education be considered. If a thorough search is done, money can be found to support graduate education, and while it may mean attending school out of state, it is always a good experience to go somewhere different, meet new people, and have different life experiences. I say this as I realize some young folk have never left the state and perhaps fear they will fall over the side if they attempted to do so. Most will say, they will work a year, save a little money, then go to graduate school and while this may sound like a reasonable idea, the reality is that once they begin to work full time, they accumulate something called debt. In efforts to keep away from debt, it becomes necessary to continue to work, and five and ten years later, when the opportunity for a promotion and serious increase in salary comes up, they cannot be considered because they only have a bachelors degree, and the new job requires a masters. Additionally, there will likely be the added responsibility of having a spouse and children and generally not being in a position to return to school until the kids are in their teens. A final note to all graduating students; during this commencement, or beginning, it is important, as it with anything, that you have a plan, or as the saying goes, “plan your work and work you plan”. It is also smart to not just have a plan, but have a Plan A, Plan B, Plan C and a Plan D. Don’t be afraid to step out of faith, and never allow anyone to convince you that you are not smart enough or that you are too poor. Do your own research and seek out the advise of those who you trust. This is a new beginning, make the best of it. Doc is an Afrocentric educator, lecturer, writer and activist. She has over fourteen years of experience in higher education as a student development practitioner and has taught undergraduate and graduate level courses in the university setting.