By Nicole Trujillo
When you think back to January 1, 2020 you were anxious and excited for your last semester of college. You’re well prepared for the last and final semester you’ll ever have —- unless you’re going to grad school. You’ve worked so hard for everything; all the tears, struggles, and late nights have finally paid off and you’re only months away from walking that stage to receive your diploma.
Then, the unthinkable happens. Your spring break is extended, all classes are transitioned to online, and you’re suddenly forced to move out of your dorm and return home, all because of the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). Life at this moment seems like a blur and you can’t seem to wrap your head around it; everything around you is changing at a very fast pace.
Grocery stores are running out of food, hand sanitizer is nowhere to be found, and you probably won’t find a single roll of toilet paper anywhere. They are also only open during specific hours and limiting the number of products one can buy of Lysol wipes, disinfectants, baby wipes, etc. Your favorite restaurants have gone to carry out or delivery only, movie theaters, malls, and recreational buildings are all closed.
Social distancing is the new norm and is highly encouraged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People are wearing masks, gloves, and running from anyone that seems to be sick. The precautions are to help slow the spread of the virus and while we’re thankful for this, but some of us can’t help but feel as if our world is being turned upside down.
Eastern New Mexico University prematurely made the decision to cancel their Spring 2020 Commencement on March 17 around 5:30 p.m. via email. The email stated that students would still receive their diplomas and have the option to walk in Fall Commencement on Dec. 12. When this email came through, I instantly felt my heart drop. I couldn’t help but burst out in tears as I felt this was unfair.
Something I had been planning for months was suddenly taken away from me. I had been looking forward to this day since Aug. of 2019, I was determined to become the first college graduate of my family and have them proudly watch me walk across that stage. I was so excited for this next chapter of my life and had already began planning a big graduation party to celebrate the end of my journey. Now however, I don’t even know if that will happen.
Eastern New Mexico University then sent out another email on March 17 around 8:30 p.m., indicating that the Commencement ceremony was to be reconsidered during the Board of Regents meeting on April 10. With this virus spreading more and more every day, I have very little hope that it will happen. I don’t want to wait until December to walk, but I might just have to.
Eastern has become my home away from home. I have met so many people here friends; co-workers, professors, all of whom have made a significant difference in my life. I’ve spent four years getting to know the wonderful Communication professors, and they have all helped me in one way or another. They’ve pushed me to do unthinkable things and helped me find my passion for writing.
I had been mentally preparing myself for goodbyes and leaving the department that shaped me as a journalist. Now unfortunately, that’s been cut short and I’m left to deal with the unsaid goodbyes by myself, while coping with the other changes that COVID-19 has caused.
I envisioned my future to be much different than this, but I know this isn’t the first or last time that my plans will suddenly change. I’ve learned that sometimes life has a different ending to a chapter, and we must accept it and continue with life. I will hope for the best and cross my fingers that this nasty virus passes over all of us. Until then, remember to be kind to one another, don’t hoard all the toilet paper in stores, and wash your hands often.
*Note: ENMU had previously stated that the Board of Regents would be discussing Commencement on April 10. However, the Board of Regents met on Friday March 20 and decided that Spring Commencement was to be cancelled. Students still have the option to walk during Fall Commencement.
