50+ Lifestyles

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

By Eloise Graham

Graduation Time – 2019

I recently attended the college graduation of my oldest grandchild, Kaylie. She was graduating with a BA from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh There was joyful anticipation in the air; a sense of hope and pride felt by the graduates and their families in attendance. It was a sense of both frivolity and angst as a new chapter of life was just beginning.

Kaylie and I celebrate her graduation

The last college graduation I had attended was twenty some years ago. Many things were the same: the proud parents, grandparents and family members of the well deserving graduates. The smiles on the faces, the laughter, the congratulatory remakes, the hopes and dreams being shared and, yes, even the tears as classmates for four years were now saying their “good-byes.” But this year there was something new – a sign of our unsettling times.

Pomp and Circumstance was played as the dignitaries, college officials, deans and professors and the graduates proceeded into the field house. But before the Commencement was called to order, we were told to locate the nearest exit in case of a disaster or fire. Disaster? My first thought was tornado or severe weather – but why would we file outside into the path of the storm. Then it sunk in. An attack of some sort. I became aware of the high presence of Campus Security Officials walking all around. There was also a very visible presence of uniformed police officers. As I looked around, I felt there was also a large group of non-uniformed officers.

Front row center is the graduate Kaylie, flanked by her two siblings.

After the speeches and doctorate and master, degrees had been handed out, I got up to go stretch and walk a little. Those metal stadium bleachers with cramped seating are not conducive to long-term sitting for us elderly people. Because of the inclement weather, I had a hooded trench coat all wadded up and wrapped around my purse. I went to unwrap it, smooth it out and refold it. I suddenly became aware of four to six pairs of eyes watching my movements. Not too noticeable, but I was aware that many had been trained to watch for any activity that was unusual. I am undecided as to whether I felt comforted that safety measures were in place or saddened that we now live in a society that needs to always implement such measures.

I made my way back to my seat to see Kaylie walk across the stage. Plenty of pictures were taken afterwards, as well as a celebratory meal at the Brooklyn Grill in downtown Oshkosh.

Congratulations, Kaylie.