By John Q. Hosedrinker When I think about the recent news of Columbia canceling its main graduation ceremony amid protests related to Gaza, it strikes a chord deep within me. As someone who didn’t get to experience a traditional high school graduation due to the pandemic, I can empathize with the students who are now missing out on their college graduation because of these protests. Graduation is a milestone in one’s life, a moment of celebration and achievement that deserves to be recognized and honored.
It’s disheartening to see how a few individuals can disrupt such an important event for an entire graduating class. While I understand the importance of raising awareness about global issues, there is a time and place for activism. Graduation should be a time for students to come together, celebrate their hard work, and look towards the future with hope and optimism.
As someone who values education and the opportunities it provides, I can’t help but feel frustrated by the impact these protests have had on the graduating class. The cost of a degree from Columbia is staggering, and for many students and their families, attending graduation is a significant investment of time and resources. To have that moment taken away because of external protests is truly unfair.
I believe that everyone has the right to express their opinions and stand up for what they believe in, but it’s important to consider the consequences of those actions. By disrupting the graduation ceremony, the protestors have not only overshadowed the achievements of the graduating class but also created a divisive and tense atmosphere on campus.
As I reflect on the situation at Columbia, I can’t help but think about the larger implications of these protests. While it is crucial to raise awareness about global conflicts and injustices, using graduation as a platform for activism may not always be the most effective or appropriate approach. Graduation should be a time for unity, not division.
In the end, I hope that the students affected by this cancellation can find other ways to celebrate their achievements and mark this important moment in their lives. Graduation is about more than just receiving a diploma – it’s about celebrating years of hard work, growth, and dedication. Despite the challenges and disruptions they have faced, I hope that the Columbia graduating class of 2024 can still find a way to commemorate their accomplishments and look towards a bright future ahead. The recent news of Columbia University canceling its main graduation ceremony amidst protests related to Gaza has sparked deep reflection within me. It is both disheartening and frustrating to see how the actions of a few individuals have overshadowed the achievements of an entire graduating class. Graduation is a pivotal moment in one’s life, a time for celebration and reflection on years of hard work and dedication.
As someone who missed out on a traditional high school graduation due to the pandemic, I can empathize with the students at Columbia who are now facing a similar disappointment. Graduation represents more than just receiving a diploma – it is a culmination of years of effort, growth, and perseverance. To have this moment disrupted by external protests is undeniably unfair to the graduating class.
While I respect the right to peaceful protest and activism, I believe there is a time and place for such actions. Graduation should be a time for unity and celebration, not division and discord. By disrupting the ceremony, the protestors have inadvertently taken away a significant milestone from the students who have worked tirelessly to reach this point.
The cost of education at Columbia is substantial, and for many students and their families, attending graduation is a significant investment of time and resources. The cancellation of the main ceremony not only impacts the graduating class but also highlights the larger implications of using such events as platforms for activism.
As the graduating class of 2024 navigates this unexpected turn of events, I hope they can find solace in alternative celebrations and commemorations of their achievements. While the cancellation is disappointing, it should not diminish the hard work and dedication that have brought them to this point. I believe that despite the challenges they face, the Columbia students can still find moments of joy and pride in their accomplishments as they move forward into the next chapter of their lives.