Everywhere you turn over the past few weeks, graduation celebrations seem to be dominating the scene. After two years of postponed, modified or canceled ceremonies during the Covid-19 pandemic, commencement exercises returned this spring with vigor. Celebrations for the Class of 2022 have been full of joy for these students who had to miss out on many of the in-person experiences that ordinarily would have accompanied their education.
Even at the Ringo Starr concert I attended last week in Boston, the former Beatle had earlier in the day received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music and addressed this year’s graduates. Other celebrities have been making headlines with their own graduations. Both Maggie Rogers and Yara Shahidi graduated from Harvard this spring, Rogers with a Master’s in Religion and Public Life and Shahidi with a Bachelor’s degree. Celebrity offspring are also showing up in the news with proud parents including Reese Witherspoon/Ryan Phillippe, Gwyneth Paltrow/Chris Martin and Kate Hudson/Chris Robinson.
Last weekend, I stood in the bleachers of my local high school stadium watching my son and his classmates in their caps and gowns. My heart was full for this first group of kids in three years to enjoy a regularly scheduled ceremony. The weather was beautiful and everything proceeded as a graduation should. It was a great feeling for me, and the mood was clearly glorious for the newly minted high school grads on the field.
Friendships are an important and memorable aspect of the journey through the educational system, and they often set the stage for the development of meaningful relationships later in life. If you’re lucky, you come away from school and/or college years with a lifelong friend or two that will remain a cherished part of your existence for many years to come. Wishing continued success and meaningful friendship to the Class of 2022!
“Whatever you choose for a career path, remember the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose.”
Chadwick Boseman
Language of Friendship 
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