The senior year experience for college students across the country has been marred once again by the impact of world events on their traditional ceremonies and celebrations. The class of pandemic graduates, who had their high school senior years disrupted by Covid in 2020, is now facing similar challenges as universities respond to protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. At the University of Southern California and other schools, students have been protesting the cancellation of commencement speeches by notable figures and the closure of campus activities in response to demonstrations.
For many students in the class of 2024, the disruptions to their senior year traditions have led to feelings of anxiety and frustration about the state of the world beyond college. Despite understanding the global significance of the events leading to these disruptions, students like Sophia Pargas at Emerson College are still trying to find moments of celebration amidst the chaos. It seems that these students have become accustomed to facing major global challenges during important milestones in their lives, and are trying to balance their personal disappointments with a broader perspective.
At schools like Columbia University, tensions have escalated as protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict have led to arrests and the cancellation of in-person classes and events. Students like Maideh Orangi at U.S.C. have been actively involved in organizing demonstrations and vigils for those affected by the conflict. While she would have preferred a more typical senior year experience, she remains committed to her activism and understands the importance of standing up for what she believes in, even if it means sacrificing some traditional celebrations.
Others, like Ruby Cayenne at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, are facing personal attacks and harassment due to their beliefs and identities. Despite her dedication to her studies and hard work to earn her degree, she is concerned that protests may disrupt her graduation ceremony. The emotional toll of these events is evident among students, with some feeling conflicted about participating in protests and others feeling disappointed by the cancellations of important events and milestones.
The impact of these disruptions extends beyond just individual students, affecting families and loved ones who were looking forward to celebrating the achievements of their graduates. For those like Neeve Levy, whose grandparents had planned to attend her graduation from Columbia, the uncertainty and turmoil caused by the protests and closures have added an extra layer of complexity to an already challenging situation. As students navigate this final stretch of their college years, they are grappling with a range of emotions and trying to find ways to cope with the unexpected obstacles in their paths.
Despite the setbacks and disruptions, students like Sofia Ongele at Columbia University are finding moments of solidarity and purpose in coming together with their classmates to protest and advocate for their beliefs. The challenges they face are not just limited to their college experiences but reflect broader issues and conflicts in the world around them. As they prepare for graduation and reflect on the tumultuous events of their senior year, these students are finding strength in their resilience and determination to make their voices heard and stand up for what they believe in.
