Graduation day

LOTS of chairs! 

Saturday was graduation day at the PUCMM for all those who finished up before Christmas.  From our balcony, I could see our neighbors primping and beautifying starting before noon.  I heard from friends that the salon had been packed- nails, hair, the works. 

The school had been preparing for graduation all week.  Location: a giant parking lot.  Number of white plastic chair set up: thousands.  Speakers: check.  Food stands: check.  Stage: check.  Scheduled to start at 5pm, I felt like we were doing pretty good when the first speaker got up at 5:20. 

A note on graduation ceremonies in general: no matter what language, they’re basically all the same.  Here’s the formula: graduates walk in to triumphant, nostalgic music, emcee introduces speaker (in this case the Bishop who gave a prayer), another speaker is introduced (class representative), another speaker (president of the university), yet another speak (key note this time), and the presentation of degrees begins.  Now I’m not hating on this general formula, but I can tell you from my own experience (having been to my fair share of graduations) that really the only people who care are the graduates and their parents.  The rest of us are just there to be supportive, and could usually do with one or two less inspirational speeches.  But anyway…

This graduation happened to be ideal for people watching.  I went to support a friend, but was on my own, so I hung toward the back in case I needed/wanted to make a get away.  I’ve come to realize- similar to weddings- graduations are completely happy events.  Everyone is thrilled for the graduate.  And it’s an excuse to dress up.  I saw everything from slacks to clubbing clothes.  I am still impressed by women’s abilities to walk over loose gravel in platform stilettos. 

This is the best shot I could get of the stage from where I
was sitting...

After about an hour though, my attention began to wander and I thought I’d slip out at the next break in speakers.  No such luck.  No sooner had that thought crossed my mind, than two Dominican acquaintances- and mutual friends with the graduate- plopped down beside me.  Dang.  So I ended up hanging out for almost 3 hours!  Holey shmoley! 

By the time all was said and done, the sun had set, streetlights had come on and I was very ready for supper. 

On a final note: ¡Felicidades Geraldine!