Graduation. A rite of passage, a coming of age. A mark of achievement, a new beginning. This ceremony is already steeped in tradition, but BFA has a way of making it unique and personal. Friday was my last BFA graduation, at least for now.
Why is it that tradition is so important at BFA? I think it may have something to do with the fact that there is so much in these kids’ lives that changes, but a tradition is something that remains constant, though in an ever-unique way.
Alumni come back to BFA to watch these students graduate, though they may only know one or two of them because they were friends with their siblings. I thought at first that it would be hard to return to a place with so few familiar places. But these returners can count on many of the same traditions: a personal tribute to each student, a sign or shout given by each dorm or home student as they graduate, returned by members of the same dorm. They can count on the tears and heartfelt hugs immediately after the ceremony is over.
Even the tears feel like home at BFA. This was my hardest graduation; I had to say goodbye not only to the seniors I had known for 2-4 years, but also to the underclassmen who hugged me with tearful intensity, knowing I won’t be there next year.
There was probably a solid half hour of last hugs, wet faces, red eyes, notes being pushed into my hand, and goodbyes. Drained already, I went upstairs to the reception for a bit of time with some friends.
Toward the end of the reception, our small group met for one more picture, which turned into more tears, a group hug, and a prayer.
I will miss all of these people! It is so hard to say goodbye to so many who have left deep imprints on my being.
How long, O Lord? How long will these goodbyes drag on? How long till You wipe all the tears from our eyes?
