At a recent graduation ceremony at Virginia Commonwealth University, the atmosphere was filled with excitement, pride, and a dash of absurdity. Graduating students, particularly from the female demographic, proudly celebrated their achievements, basking in the spotlight of their hard-earned diplomas. But then, out of nowhere, some of them decided that a Republican governor’s presence was just too much to handle, prompting a mass walkout that would have made any comedian guffaw in disbelief. It seems that these students were more interested in making a statement than in their academic accomplishments, which is something that could leave anyone scratching their head (or laughing uncontrollably).
Now, one might think that walking out on a graduation speech from the governor—who is there to congratulate them—would be a last-minute decision. But alas, here we are! These bright-eyed graduates were so caught up in their political sentiments, they forgot that they were, you know, actually graduating! It’s almost like they thought, “You know what? I’d rather miss this important life milestone than listen to someone who shares different political beliefs.” No one ever claimed college kids were the masters of prioritization, and moments like these certainly prove it!
As it turns out, despite all that hard work and financial investment in higher education, some individuals continue to champion the idea that attending college doesn’t equate to higher intelligence. Who knew? Someone could plow through four years of gender studies, graduate with a mountain of student debt, and still lack the common sense to appreciate the moment—a genuine “hold my coffee” kind of moment. The irony must not have been lost on spectators when they realized these graduates traded their caps and gowns for the opportunity to strut right out of the venue over petty politics.
But isn’t it fascinating? Open-mindedness has taken a backseat in the curriculum, and many students seem more preoccupied with their ideological stances than with gratitude toward the opportunities afforded to them. You’d think their parents, with hearts swelling with pride, would want them to soak in every bit of wisdom shared by a successful politician. Instead, they watched as their kids took a stand against a speech that was meant to encourage them in their future endeavors. Talk about throwing the baby out with the bathwater!
In the end, the walkout serves as a reminder that the line between education and indoctrination is perilously thin. The students may believe they are making a bold statement, but it’s more like missing the point entirely. Graduation is supposed to mark a stepping stone into adulthood and the workforce, yet walking out on an opportunity to hear from those who might just hold the key to their future is quite the head-scratcher. After all, whether one leans left, right, or somewhere in between, it helps to listen, learn, and engage, rather than trot off like a parade of bewildered peacocks. Here’s to hoping they learn that the real lesson lies in keeping their minds—and hearts—open, which is ultimately what education should be all about!
