Dear John,

This weekend marked a major milestone for families all across our country: graduation!

Whether they graduated from high school, community college, university, or graduate school, millions of young people closed one remarkable chapter of their lives and, without the usual fanfare or revelry that symbolizes this transition, stepped into the reality of their next. Pomp and circumstance were replaced with ZOOM ceremonies and quiet celebrations in quarantine. If not for the internet and technology, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, lifelong friends, and neighbors would have missed the cherished tradition of cheering on their graduate - beaming while ceremoniously bedecked in cap and gown - as he or she is honored for their hard work, determination, and accomplishment.

Our family is one of those families. Our younger daughter graduated, albeit virtually, from college yesterday. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering! Wow, it's so fresh and new that it gets me choked up just typing those words. Graduated, college, degree, engineering - separately they're just words. Meaningful words, but just words. When strung together, though, they commemorate the culmination of years' worth of dedicated effort and tenacity, setbacks and failure, perseverance and sacrifice, commitment and success - she graduated college with a degree in engineering. In case it isn't clear, this mom is busting with pride and joy!

I would have loved to celebrate her accomplishment as it deserved to be. Cheering loudly from the stands, alongside her siblings and grandparents and family friends. Hearing the classic graduation theme serenade her and her fellow graduates' entrance into the convocation hall. Seeing her move her tassel from right to left as the university chancellor congratulates the newly minted "graduates." Capturing her expression as she throws her graduation cap high into the air in the most prideful act of jubilant exhilaration: I did it! Giddily celebrating her with food, drink, merriment, and speeches, all the while surrounded by those who've loved her, guided her, and supported her along her journey.

Alas, it is not to be that way this year. To all of the proud parents, extended family, mentors, and friends, I know how you feel. To all of the graduates, I'm sorry it had to be this way. But please know that nothing, not even coronavirus-imposed quarantine, diminishes the value of your hard-earned accomplishments or the immense pride we all feel about those accomplishments. The circumstances surrounding your big commencement day may have been less than perfect, but your achievements are absolute perfection.

Class of 2020, you've been challenged in a way that your older siblings and friends won't fully understand, and those who come after you won't experience the same level of sudden, unexpected disappointment. That said, it is up to you to decide what you have learned from this singular time in your lives and how you will take those lessons forward with you into your next chapter. Something tells me you won't let us - or yourselves - down.

I raise my glass to you all. Congratulations to the beautiful Class of 2020! You are brave and resilient, curious and smart, deeply passionate, creative as hell, and so very capable. Go forth and make this world a better place. We need you. Each one of you.

As the proud parent of one of your fellow graduates, and as a person who is inspired by your generation each and every day, I wish you the very best on the next leg of your amazing life's beautiful journey.

And last but not least, to all of the moms, dads, grandparents, coaches, mentors, teachers, professors, siblings, and friends who, together, form each graduate's village, know this: Your graduate's accomplishment was possible because of your love, encouragement, and support. Congratulations on a job well done!

Happy Graduation, one and all! Be well, be smart, and stay healthy.

Now, go get your dreams!

With sincere pride and affection,

Hiral





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