This year’s, graduation ceremonies may look more like a masked ball, but the pomp and circumstance will be more poignant than ever, with schools hosting smaller, in person and virtual ceremonies, to celebrate the new grads.
Creativity and Improvisation may be the theme for this year’s graduates, after COVID carved out new ways to study, teach and learn.
"So it's not the most ideal. It's definitely not what I imagined it to be like. But, for me, I would say I did get a lot out of it." That’s Virginia Tech, graduating senior Jesika McDaniel “I was able to make a lot of connections and meet a lot of people virtually that I probably wouldn't have met otherwise-- having different opportunities presented to me that I wouldn't have been presented to, if COVID, wasn't a thing.”
McDaniel is going on to grad school at Tech next year, continuing her studies pursuing a masters in science education. She’s going to watch this year’s graduation virtually since she’ll soon have another coming up.
“I feel like a lot of students will be disappointed that they didn't get to have the big goal, everyone in Lane Stadium and walking across the stage while some students will, not everyone has that opportunity. But I feel like they'll still be able to take those experiences that they've had in the past year, with them, even after graduation.”
Virginia Tech’s graduation ceremonies are this week, some in person ---and all will also be streamed.
University of Virginia at Wise celebrated two in-person graduation ceremonies last weekend – and the ceremonies also include last years’ graduates. Governor Ralph Northam has OK’d in person graduations with bigger attendance caps for outdoor ceremonies.
***Editor's Note: Radio IQ is a service of Virginia Tech.
