Graduation

Graduation day ushers in more formal wear displays in malls, busier days for dressmakers and tailors, promos on beauty treatments from parlours and salons, and a little more expensive flowers.

Despite these expenses, parents, grandparents, or those who sent them to school, are just too happy to spend for their graduate.

After the euphoria, the diploma becomes a written reminder that one is to level up. For the luckier ones, it could be to seek a higher academic specialization, or to start a new business. Or, to review for a qualifying government exam. St. Jude, the Saint for desperate cases, becomes a favourite; and more pews are occupied during masses.

Then the graduate sees the real world. “Who” one knows is sometimes more important than “what” one knows. One realises that there are more graduates than jobs. Many new graduates are now call centre agents, whether they finished HRM, nursing, business, formal or vocational courses. Still others continue to seek jobs here and abroad.

The truth becomes clear, it is difficult to earn money. Before one gets caught up in the eternal quest for stability, one must rethink the kind of future one wants. Is it prestige without hard work, wealth without honour, popularity over respect?

This brings all to the one continuing education that we should all pursue, to be holy. It applies to all fields of human endeavour. It is a “course” difficult to graduate from. Wealth is sometimes a hindrance, and status is a burden.

The good news is, we can retake the course unlimited times. Good works have points, and effort earns merits. The challenge is to strive to be faithful with each failure.

Then we see a world surrounded by grace.