The spring semester has reached it’s halfway point, thus beginning the countdown to Moorpark College’s Class of 2018 graduation.
Over 400 students participated in the graduation ceremony last time around and this year many are looking forward to May 18 as the day they will complete the next step in their education. Moorpark’s ceremony is meant to congratulate students on their achievement and create a memorable moment.
“This can be a momentous occasion,” said Kristen Robinson, Moorpark College’s Student Activities Specialist. “Students have met a milestone and worked really hard for a trajectory of academic success. This is an opportunity to celebrate with friends.”
The March 8 deadline to apply for an Associates degree or certificate has passed, but those students who have already applied only have to wait until April 9 for their next set of instructions. This will include the ability to purchase graduation packets, which will include a cap, gown, tassel, and diploma cover. The packet will also include instructions for graduation day, such as times to arrive and how to take care of the cap and gown.
“We’ll have a lot of pre-ceremony activities, too,” said Robinson. “Such as a photo booth, and a cap-decorating station for those who want to bedazzle their caps.”
Amidst the excitement, students also recognize that graduation day signals that one part of their life is coming to an end.
“It’s kind of terrifying!” said Kristen Banaszkiewicz, a 20-year-old Communications major. “But it’s exciting- it’s a new chapter in my life.”
Banaszkiewicz will be tranferring to San Diego State University in the fall to continue her education in Speech, Language, and Hearing Science to eventually become a speech therapist.
“I will definitely miss being around my home,” said Banaszkiewicz. “I have two cats that I love and I’m really close with my family and friends. I’ll miss being around them all the time, and really just the little things about home.”
Banaszkiewicz credits Moorpark College’s many resources in helping her get to where she is now- two months away from graduation.
“I’m taking six classes right now, which is 20 units,” said Banaszkiewicz. “So I’m definitely taking advantage of all the resources. You don’t have to have your major picked out right away as an incoming student, but it’s super helpful. Getting to graduation takes a lot of planning, figuring out what courses you’ll take, and seeing a counselor.”
While the graduation ceremony does not have a specific keynote speaker, students and guests who attend will hear from President Luis Sanchez as well as members of the Board of Trustees. Payton Robinson, president of the Associated Students of Moorpark College, and Professor Sally Ponce-O’Rourke, Faculty Member of the Year, will also address the crowd.
Moorpark College’s Graduation FAQ page on their website clarifies that the actual degree or certificate will be mailed to students later on, but the benefits of being part of the ceremony are real and important.
“We want to have a great turn-out because we want to celebrate our students,” said Robinson. “This is a really great time to step back and think about your accomplishments. So there are a lot of intangible benefits to being part of this graduation ceremony.”
For more information, you can go to www.moorparkcollege.edu/graduation.
