To say that completing and then graduating from my master’s degree during quarantine was surreal would definitely be an understatement. It has been three weeks, I don’t have any school work and my thesis has been officially published and yet I still keep waiting for the next assignment to roll in.

Before COVID-19, I was not excited about graduation. I was excited to be done and to celebrate with my friends, but now that it can’t happen, I am definitely missing all of the pomp and circumstance.

But at the same time, I know how lucky I am to be quarantined with my family, to be healthy, to have had the opportunity to pursue a master’s, and to have already done the big graduation as an undergraduate.

While I can’t give that graduation back to any of the students who have missed out, here is what I can say… Make the most of the moment at home. I don’t like being the center of attention or making a big deal about things but overlooking graduation made it seem like it didn’t even happen. Putting on the regalia, going out and taking pictures, and having strangers drive by while I was taking pictures and honking and yelling congratulations made it all feel real and important. Even if you don’t like attention, graduating IS a big deal and you deserve some attention.

At the same time, remember that the ceremony is not the important part…the important part is all of the time and work you put into your degree! No graduation does not change how incredible it is to have worked hard to earn a degree, don’t discount that.

This is a hard time for everyone especially graduates, but we will get through this and you have accomplished something incredible. The thing that helps me is finding one positive thing to think about every day. Every day isn’t going to be amazing and some days are going to be really hard but whatever it is (for me it is my cat and talking beautiful walks), one little thing can help give you some perspective.

Finally, give yourself a little pat on the back! You did it! And I’m proud of you! Congratulations!

XO,

Taylor