Some grads face bitter reality

Every graduate has hopes and dreams. Every graduate is somebody’s baby.

Having just survived the graduation process, my baby has now left the public school system and so have I.

The last few months have been emotional to say the least. As he worked very hard to complete projects, assignments and performances, Tom was like many students approaching graduation, riddled with stress but determined to finish with flair.

He slept little and worked hard.

Eventually the books are closed, assignments handed in, exams written and lockers cleaned out.

It was over except the ceremonies.

Now, for those who have yet to experience grad exercises in the arena, it’s truly a test of stamina.

Regardless of the weather, once you cram that building full of families, friends, grads and dignitaries, plus other miscellaneous trappings, it’s an environment to rival any Swedish sauna but without the medical benefits.

After lining up in reverse alphabetical order behind the arena in order to be in their correct chairs, the grads file into the arena, cheered and applauded by a full house of family and friends.

Dignitaries delivered the usual speeches, then the epic began.

Each grad approached the makeshift stage as their accomplishments and future plans were read out. However, this is also the time when bursaries, scholarships and certificates are announced. Although it was announced that more than 80 students were receiving these graduation gifts, it was obvious the bulk of the money was going to a select few who achieved academic excellence. To all of them I send my heartiest congratulations.

But for the students who were not lucky enough to be selected for even a small legacy award (not sure how they chose those recipients) their trip to the stage was painfully short.

No applause, no appreciative gasps from the crowd. They were handed their grad folder and sent on their way. Oh, some did receive a little extra in their folder.

A rejection letter from the Dogwood Awards committee telling them they were among the students left empty-handed for the $1,000 award, despite their best effort.

So much for those being for non-academic achievements, many of the Dogwoods went to students already receiving as much as $40,000 in other scholarships and bursaries.

What a nice touch to include in the evening’s festivities.

How many grads’ self-esteem took a huge hit that night?

Did all the unsuccessful applicants of all the local scholarships and bursaries receive rejection letters in their grad folder?

I checked, they didn’t.

The decision to announce the winners at the cap and gown ceremonies was made, or so I was told, so as not to influence decisions being made on other grants and bursaries. Forewarning would have spared the feelings of the unsuccessful from public scrutiny.

Maybe the decision could have included information on who was already receiving thousands of dollars or possibly looking at which Dogwood presenters were actually pursuing a career in the field they showcased.

Oh well, some students learned another harsh reality that night. Life isn’t fair, nor is it sensitive when dishing out bad news.

I’m sure they will recover, claw back the confidence that single form letter stripped away.

Two nights later it was another lesson for many grads.

Dry Grad saw many of the same names who received big scholarships, also appear on the prize winners’ list.

My son left the party before 1 a.m., not because he had a drunken party to attend, he came home.

He was mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted from the grad grind.

It’s definitely time to take a good hard look at the entire process.

But I’m done. Good luck to future grads and their families.

My best advice, get involved, make your voice heard and watch very carefully as to how your child is handling this very stressful time in their life.

Annie Gallant is a reporter with the Quesnel Cariboo Observer.