Graduation

For hundreds of thousands of students, this weekend represents one of the most drastic and immediate transitions in their lives. After completing a long, immersive, educational experience, a mere few hours in a cap and gown serve as a rite of passage into an entirely different stage of life.

One common message of graduation goes something like this:
“Until today, you were a taker.* We (teachers & parents) taught you everything you needed to know. Your days and nights have been reserved for learning. We tried to remove all possible distractions and responsibilities from you so you could focus on absorbing content and skills. We isolated you from the world, having paid professionals make you their client and full-time student. We gave you school buildings, campuses, cafeterias, labs, libraries, dorms, advisors, and study lounges. We have worked as hard as possible to shield you from the scary world out there so you could learn.”

“But now that’s all over. Starting tomorrow, the teachers will disappear. As will the campus, cafeteria, lab, dorm, advisor, curriculum, and facilitated social life. You are now going to be expected to be a giver.* You will need to navigate the scary worlds of personal finance, relationships, bosses, negotiations, professional growth, and personal development. You will also need to create your own social life. We fully expect you to contribute to society as a leader, worker, and neighbor. You’re an adult now - good luck.”

*Shout out to Adam Grant, who has given (pun intended) new meaning to these words

Potty training has pull-ups. Bicycles have training wheels. Driving has permits and junior licenses. Marriage has dating & engagement.

Why does entry into the “real world” have to be so instantaneous?