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One More Step Graduation is neither beginning nor end
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Published: May 14, 2008
"What is for you, you will get." -- Cicely Tyson, Winston-Salem State University 2008 spring commencement speaker
I like graduation ceremonies, and, as a member of the board of trustees at Winston-Salem State University, I have attended a few. Most recently, I was at the spring commencement exercise Saturday, and heard Cicely Tyson, the actress, lecturer, activist and humanitarian, address the 2008 graduating class. I am able to participate, experience and see the event from a different perspective, on the inside looking out.
A lot of activity takes place at the same time, unfolding like a slow-motion picture. Soon-to-be graduates arrive early to line up for their big day. There is a certain buzz, chatter and air of excitement all around them. Faculty and staff prepare, putting on their caps, gowns and multicolored hoods. The hoods are symbolic, and the most important feature of their academic costume. The length of the hood and the width of the velvet trimming designate the level of the person's degree. The hood's lining identifies the institution that granted the degree, and the color of the velvet indicates the wearer's major field of learning.
Participants are lined up for the processional according to their involvement. I sat between the WSSU National Alumni Association president and the UNC Board of Governors representative.
Proud family members, friends and supporters of the graduates arrive with cameras in hand, ready to capture this special moment forever, a day for them to remember for a lifetime.
It is easy to be swept up in the whirlwind of choreographed activity: the pomp and circumstance of the graduation itself; the act of marching in, acknowledging students you have developed a relationship with; witnessing the conferring of degrees as they hug one another, shake hands and strut their stuff; and the excitement of seeing them celebrate their hard-earned achievement.
You can't help but smile as you watch and listen to the crowd respond as names are announced and graduates accept their degrees and shake the hands of the chancellor and dean, standing in the reception-like line. As the graduates walk one by one across the stage and proceed back to their seats, there is dancing in the aisles. The smiles on their faces reflect the joy in their spirits of knowing "we made it!"
Of course there is more to the ceremony. There is the sound of the choir singing that moves your spirit to rejoice, and the message from the speaker that causes you to laugh and take note at the same time. Graduation is also about the commissioning of a young cadet in the Army that touches you as he takes the oath to protect and serve our country, and the acknowledgment of the faculty who engaged and challenged the students while contributing to their college experience. It is knowing that another group is taking the next step in the journey, departing to serve.
The graduating class might not remember what Tyson said years from now, but they will remember how they felt, the experience of the journey, the hugs and kisses, the well wishes they received and the parties and gifts recognizing their achievement. At least one message should resonate with them, though -- the true meaning of graduating and moving on to the next level. It is a lesson a martial artist learned as he reached his graduation day.
Similar to the graduates, after years of relentless training, he came before the master sensei in a ceremony to receive the belt recognizing his hard-earned achievement.
"Before I grant the belt, you must pass one more test," the sensei seriously tells the young man.
"I'm ready," responds the student.
"You must answer the essential question: What is the true meaning of the black belt?"
"Why, the end of my journey," says the student. "A well-deserved reward for my hard work."
The master is clearly not satisfied: "You are not ready for the black belt. Return in one year."
A year later, the student is asked the same question: "What is the true meaning of the black belt?"
"It is a symbol of distinction and the highest achievement in our art," the young man responds.
Again the master waits for more. Still unsatisfied, he says once more: "You are not ready for the black belt. Return in one year."
Another year passes, and the student hears the same question again, "What is the true meaning of the black belt?"
This time he responds differently; he understands now. "The black belt represents not the end, but the beginning, the start of a never-ending journey of discipline, work and the pursuit of an ever higher standard," he says.
"Yes," says the master. "You are now ready to receive the black belt and begin your work."
Approximately 800 graduates heard the same message before receiving their degrees last weekend, realizing that graduation is not the end, but the beginning of a new journey. Cicely Tyson, a master, like the sensei, having learned from years of experience, encouraged the graduates to "try never to arrive; keep on striving!"
Congratulations, graduates!
■ Nigel Alston is a Dale Carnegie trainer and motivational speaker. He can be reached at nalston1@triad.rr.com.
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