Graduating in the time of Coronavirus

Donning the academic attire, and tossing the mortarboard into space, is a sign of limitlessness. It is a confirmation, by a graduate, that the academic ceiling has been shattered for good; opening one’s path to read, write and to do what appertains to their degree. Over the years, graduations have been events to celebrate academic achievements, only in a more social sense. Family members and friends flock at the graduation square to confirm that, indeed, the limits have been broken. Only that in 2020, the mode of celebration changed, owing to the need to reduce the spread of Covid-19. How has that change affected people? And what does it mean to graduate in the time of Corona? Well, a few graduates spoke to Life&Style about what it means to graduate virtually, for them, their families and friends.

Mutwiri Phineas John, Meru

I graduated from Moi University, Eldoret, with a Bachelor of Arts (with Education) in English and literature. I am extremely happy about the far that I have come. I count it as a great feat, in the academic sense, having scored only 192 marks out of the possible 500 in my Kenya Certificate of Primary Education. Through sheer hard work and self-belief, I scored a B+ (plus) grade in my KCSE after which I enrolled in Moi University. 

I had always anticipated having a colourful graduation event. I also hoped to ferry my family and friends from my home in Meru to Eldoret, so we could celebrate the triumph together. Unfortunately, that was not set to happen as Covid-19 struck and we were supposed to minimise contacts and travels. I had also planned to go on a vacation with my wife and sons, but again, that could not happen as well. 

However, I am planning to host a thanksgiving ceremony for family and possibly a few friends.

I regret that, with virtual graduation, there is no chance to celebrate and maybe take group photos with classmates, with whom we toiled through the four years. If I had another opportunity to graduate, I would not choose to do it the virtual way. I still prefer traditional graduation ceremonies where people enjoy physical contact. This is despite the fact that virtual graduation is less costly as you bare no travel expenses. 

I also do not expect anything to change. I have already secured a job, so what is left for me to do is, to live happily with my wife and kids.

Grace Wawira Njiru, 25, Nairobi 

I recently graduated virtually with a Bachelor of Education (Arts) in English and literature from Moi University. I am over the moon for having achieved the milestone which I anticipated since childhood. It is a remarkable achievement to have gone through 8-4-4 and completed successfully. Looking back at how the journey has been, the challenges and the uncertainties that characterised it, I cannot help but celebrate. 

Customarily, the graduation is a social event which involves the family and friends of the graduates. We have been socialised to believe that graduation is synonymous to a get-together, where people dedicate time to celebrate with their loved ones. Were it not for the pandemic, I would have organised a ceremony, but now I have to cope with the new normal. 

Suffice to say, I had planned on travelling to Eldoret, to don the academic attire and take great photos with friends, course mates and family members. I guess it makes one feel more appreciated for their academic efforts. 

Besides, it is a tradition that gifts are also given to the graduate on the same day. Now, things have completely changed and I feel that success is quite personal, as opposed to a social undertaking as was earlier treated. 

Also, being given jurisdiction to read in a physical environment feels totally different from being conferred degrees online. 

Covid-19 also thwarted my plans to introduce my significant other to the family members. Graduation is always a good time for familial introductions, owing to the fact that one is considered mature enough to make such decisions as getting into marriage. Covid-19 has taken away that privilege and that means I will have to do it on a different occasion which might be more expensive. 

To me, virtual graduation is a blessing in disguise. It would have been strenuous to travel from Central Kenya to Rift Valley for the event, and expensive too. However, I hear that some of my village mates had saved up for the grand tour, and it has been laborious explaining to them why we won’t travel as much I would have loved us to do. Granted the opportunity, I would still opt for virtual graduation as it is cost-effective. 

Covid-19 has reminded me that life does not always give us what we want. Hence, we must cultivate the spirit of creating solutions and thriving even in the midst of challenges. 

Finally, I look forward to getting a job, so that I can utilise my knowledge and skills that I have acquired, as well as give back to the society.

Kariuki Munyui Daniel, 24, Kirinyaga 

I am set to graduate from Chuka University with a Bachelor of Education (Science). I would say that the academic journey has been tough, and it eventually feels wonderful to complete school and finally graduate. 

Earlier on, I expected my graduation ceremony to be graced with my friends and my family members, who walked with me in every step of the journey and are the stakeholders in my academic achievements in different ways. 

Unfortunately, Covid-19 has changed everything, as I do not plan on having any graduation ceremony. My grandparents really hoped to see me in my academic gown in the graduation square, sadly, that will not happen. 

However, my plans to introduce my fiancée to my parents will go on, although it will not be in a big ceremony as I had imagined. I will only introduce her to the family members who will be present in a private family party. 

Covid-19 has not affected how I relate or associate with my friends. Besides, virtual graduation has demonstrated that people can celebrate and graduate without necessarily having to travel hundreds of miles, which I think is a good thing. If I could be able to choose what was to happen in a different graduation ceremony, I would have discouraged the whole idea of virtual graduation in favour of the traditional graduation ceremonies. 

I hope to join the business world to fend for myself.