Today is graduation day in Pullman. Everywhere there are people in caps and gowns, ready to reenact some ancient ritual. They pose for pictures in front of the WSU sign, trying to look brave and optimistic. The ritual of graduation marks the threshold between one phase of life and another. Graduates move not just from stage right to stage left; they enter as students and leave as...what? Most can only imagine what the future holds for them. It is frightening. Ritual, for some, can ease the fear.
I opted not to go to graduation. I prefer a private ritual to mark the occasion. I bought a smudge stick of sage and lavender to cleanse myself of any lingering academic demons. I will light a candle for my future. I will close my eyes and give thanks for the gifts of my education (most of which did not happen in the classroom) and I will say goodbye in order to make room for something new. I will try to be brave, trusting in the wisdom of the universe.
Then I will eat cake. Some traditions are worth holding on to.
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