Why Graduation Matters

Ishaa Asim
Jul 18
2 min read

*This blog is from the perspective of guests rather than the graduate

Graduation is a magical time. You celebrate hard work and effort and toast to success in the future. And whilst you expect to attend family graduations, friend graduations can hit differently.

I’ve been lucky enough over the last couple of years to be invited to my friends’ graduations, with this year being no different. Seeing them graduate in their respective disciplines from fine universities brings me such joy. As a friend, you can see the highs and the lows. The times they melt over not understanding an equation. The hours spent in libraries and looking at a screen. The tears shed over whether the entire journey was worth it.

And yet when you stand there with them, you feel a sense of pride. Excited for your friends and their success, and the opportunity to show up and support them. One of the best parts about being a friend is showing up when they need you, in good times and bad. Graduation is one of the best you get, and to be a part of the special day is an honour.

It is a privilege to attend university, to study, and to graduate. I feel this more with international tensions - there are people who do not have the right to go to university. And so seeing my friends succeed and celebrate their journey on that big day means everything.

In a way, graduation can be said to be a true test of friendship. Family is of course invited but to be an invited friend means that you are valued and appreciated. Traits that are rare nowadays in a lot of relationships.

Congratulations to everyone graduating this year! And to all the friends and family for being their invaluable support network.