In the past 30 days I have attended graduations of two of our granddaughters...one from Virginia Tech, and the other from high school. The former was relatively short and sweet for us, given that Tech has two ceremonies...the first outdoors at the stadium with speeches, but no actual handing out of degrees and individual student recognition. The one we attended was scheduled the next day indoors, for each individual academic college (such as science, engineering, business, etc) where graduates walk across the stage receiving their diplomas...but with no speeches other than introductions of dignitaries. High School graduation, on the other hand, is "all of the above" and they are long...and I'm thinking that few graduates pay much attention to what's going on except when it's time to stand up to cross the stage as their names are called. The messages offered to them are positive, however, if they would just listen to what's being said.
What's common to both, however, is that graduates today are walking into a world much different from the past...job wise. Not only are temporary or more permanent jobs for high school graduates much harder to find these days, but statistics reflect that upwards to 50% of college grads do not have a job when they get their diploma. Joining the military seems for many to be a good way to go...but as the military reduces the size of its forces as projected, even that route will not be as open as it has been.
Reversing the dismal unemployment trend we've been experiencing in the past several years is not going to be easy...and none are as hopeful to see quick and permanent positive change than are recent academic graduates at all levels.
