After reading and reflecting on the responses sent to us regarding the University’s Commencement plans, I find myself even more enraged than with the first email. I and every single other student in my class has worked incredibly hard during our four years at this University. The day we stepped on this campus we were embraced with an overwhelming amount of love and support and we were told these would be the years that define us and who we will become. As I have spent four years living, studying, growing, and maturing with my fellow classmates I have come to understand the true meaning of being a Laurentian. However, tonight I feel betrayed by this University and the administration that I am supposed to love and cherish.

I am a first generation college student and I was never expected to come this far. Since my first day of classes four years ago, until now I have shed copious amounts of tears, had countless sleepless nights to turn in a paper on time, and held two jobs on the side in order to pay my tuition and barely scrape by. In my senior year, I and my classmates have graciously followed and upheld the Laurentian Pact, even if that meant missing out on every single activity embraced by classes before us to be able to have a Commencement. Not a live streamed commencement, not one where our diplomas are mailed to us, and certainly not one that takes place before our finals. I and the class of 2021 are more than deserving of a better thought out graduation plan.

It is incredibly hard for me and many other students to sit back and just “accept” what is being handed to us. As a first-generation student I wanted nothing more than to be able to prove to myself and my family that I am capable, that I am worthy, and that I am deserving of a higher education. With a virtual graduation, unfortunately, my family will not get to see me graduate as they do not have access to internet. And unfortunately, I will not get to experience the feeling of hearing my name announced, my degree handed to me, and walking across the stage. This is so troubling to me, and I feel as if all my hard-work, dedication, sleepless nights, and debt were for nothing.

Finding the motivation to finish this semester strong will be the biggest challenge to come my way during these four years. Knowing that I will graduate with the thought of finals the next day, will be the next biggest challenge. And lastly, finding the strength to call myself a proud Laurentian will be the hardest one of all.

This is no way to respect or treat your student body, and I hope that generations to come do not have to feel the gut wrenching betrayal I and my classmates are feeling tonight.