Graduation Season

This is the time of the year here in America for graduation and promotion ceremonies. A friend's son is moving to college. A niece and nephew will have their senior high commencement this Wednesday.

I get to think of my own graduation moments. They are very well remembered, from my elementary to my college years. College meaning my first course, BS Physical Therapy at Angeles University. I did not attend my BS Nursing and Masters of Arts in Nursing (MAN) ceremonies for some odd and now quite unfamiliar reasons.

Mamang even went home from California to Philippines for my Nursing graduation, she begged me to attend it but I vehemently refused. I opted that we just attend the Capping ceremonies which for me was the more significant and intimate event, one that is uniquely tailored for Nursing graduates.
Mom respected my decision. Our university gymnasium was too hot, you how how humid it can be in PH come summer season. Ok,  I have another not-so-valid reason why I did not attend but I won't tell it. I told Mamang we experienced college graduation already in 1999. We just wait for me to passed the Nursing boards and I did.

I also did not attend my MAN graduation, I think my only reason was my laziness. I did not want to dress up, wait for long hours at the auditorium just for my name to be called on stage.

On both occasions, I had to make written and verbal explanations at the University Registrar's office why I did not attend the important milestones in my educational life before they released my diploma and transcript of records. At one point, I simply blurted out, "Graduation makes me anxious,"which frankly is true. I don't know how the joy of achievement is clouded by unknown fear. At that point, I wondered if I was anhedonic.

Today, I still do not regret not attending my two should have been memorable and unforgettable graduations. As what I told Mamang, it's passing the board exam that is the real reward and I made it. Modesty aside, I passed all my three Nursing examinations with one take and I know and felt I already made my family, most especially Mamang proud.

That  I know is the real thing.

Education. Priceless. Real.