required viewing...

I'm just going to say it. I love commencement. I have had the opportunity to "work" the past two commencements at the University of Arkansas, and I enjoy it every time. Why? you may ask. It's long, it's boring, it's predictable. And it's amazing. You can feel the excitement in the room for students who have worked so hard to get here. And you can feel the excitement of their families and friends in attendance. The room, a very large room, is filled with hope, with anticipation for what's ahead. On that day, all things are possible. 

There is also sadness. The University of Arkansas does something amazing for the families and friends of students who were not able to graduate. Were not able to reach that goal. Were taken from us too soon. They present posthumous degrees to their loved ones. It's at the beginning. If you're not paying attention, you may miss it. But it means the world to these families and these friends who have lost someone who was working toward the same goal as the others in the room. I appreciate that my institution does that. It makes me proud. 

Then there's the commencement speaker. Often, this person is receiving an honorary degree at the University. Sometimes they're amazing, uplifting, encouraging, inspiring, and (hopefully) brief in their message. Sometimes, not so much. Then I came across the video below.

If you are not familiar with Tim Minchin, he's a musician and comedian with a pretty strong stance on certain issues. Once you get to know him, you'll likely either love him or hate him. If you don't know him, before you form any conclusions about him or his position on a large range of subjects, watch this video from a commencement speech where he was an honorary degree recipient.

I think it should be required viewing for all students and is a commencement speech that I wish I had seen live:

Tim Minchin's Advice for Students (and Everyone Else)

While most undergraduates are not yet thinking about graduation, we all know that grad students have to start thinking about it much sooner. There are documents that have to be turned in, dissertation defenses that have to be scheduled, applications for graduation that have to be turned in. So this is for you...

And don't forget that if you're graduating in December, you need to submit your application for degree by October 1. 

Good luck to all of my colleagues who are defending this semester. I hope your defenses go well, you don't have to say "I don't know" too many times, and may your edits be minimal.

-- Dawn