My parents never watched me graduate.
It is a commonplace story. I now see many of my students whom I admire, facing crisis in tough economic headwinds, amidst muted celebrations of their extraordinary achievements and in some cases, away from family and friends. I want to write and share my thoughts and best wishes.
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My parents never finished high school, and did not have an opportunity to learn English. Their only dream was modest: for me to learn English and to finish college anywhere. I am endlessly proud of them.
Buoyed by their aspirations, I was fortunate to attend excellent institutions: Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay and Carnegie Mellon University. I am now fortunate to be teaching incredibly curious and talented students who attend Wharton and Penn, among the best schools and universities in the world.
I skipped my graduation ceremony entirely, somewhat selfishly I should add, to make my way to graduate school. On the week, I was on my first plane ride, to a place where I knew no family, close or distant. Later, when I finished my PhD, I was too cash-strapped and debt-ridden to invite them. Hurried by career goals (and visa paperwork!), I went through hooding and skipped the commencement ceremonies without much thought. Now, I look back on those days often and ponder ways I can thank my family (especially in the uncertainty of these days).
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Commencement on Locust Walk is a summer delight: The Red and Blue Penn flags fluttering among verdant trees, smiles brighter than the splashes of colors in distinct black robes and hoods, faces brimming with pride, beaming parents and jubilant children, all taking in the festivities. It is one of the highlights of campus life at Penn.
Regardless of platitudes that you’ll hear, not having your family watch you graduate, with ceremonial fanfare in the halls of tradition, is a tragic loss of experience.
I have now realized the graduation ceremonies are vehicles for expressing gratitude. Thank you! You and your loved one are making a benevolent sacrifice to benefit our society.
Dear Class of 2020, You will always be special, a class apart. You will be the class that celebrated quietly. There may not be pomp and circumstance this year. But, there will still be love and understanding.
Gratitude also lies in continuing to do our best. Present realities constrain us but your dreams will stay resolute and incandescent.
Live a life worthy of this loss. Trust your heart knowing the faith of people who stand by you. Your accomplishments will shine, and those moments will be more joyous because of your journey. You now stand at the gates of optimism, looking forward, as the fabric of your future unfolds on the hopes we have for you.
On this occasion, I wish you and your loved ones a great future ahead, blessed with the contentment of quiet sunrises and the mirth of the best lived days.
Stay well now. Bring your family and friends to future reunions. When you do, please stop by and say “Hello”. I would love to see — in person — the joy in your eyes.
Congratulations, Class of 2020!
#WhartonProud #PennProud
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Poeisis: my notes on Operations, Nature of Work and Life. You can subscribe to my newsletter (private) or follow me on twitter (social).