Last Saturday I attended my oldest step-son’s commencement ceremony…sort of. Because of social distancing guidelines here in Los Angeles county, students were only given two tickets to commencement. Unfortunately, there were three of us that wanted to attend–my husband, my other step-son, and me. I knew it was important for my younger step-son to be there for his brother so I stepped aside.
Something that I’ve been impressed with during this pandemic, is the ways in which businesses and schools have gotten creative in dealing with social distancing guidelines. For their commencement ceremonies, Cal State University Long Beach had a live stream that family and friends could watch from home or wherever, really. They also set up several micro-stages in the parking lot where students could have their names called as they walked up on the stage and had their picture taken. It was surreal.
But all of that meant that I got to attend the ceremony…sort of. I watched the whole thing on my phone while sitting in the parking lot at Angels Stadium where it was being held. Afterward, I was able to see my step-son “walk across the stage” with a proud grin on his face. It was a different experience, but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world!

Congratulations, Vivian, and to the whole family, especially to your graduate step son. That is a great family picture! Iām glad schools and businesses are getting creative about how to manage celebrations during these difficult months. I am a proud CSULB graduate too!
Thank you! #GoBeach
What a celebration! I’m glad you could all be a part of the ceremony and the day. That is a wonderful picture–you all look so happy!
Thank you!
Congratulations to the graduate. What a proud moment for all of you. It is wonderful that colleges have come up with ways for all family members to celebrate the achievement of their graduate.
In the midst of all that the pandemic has brought us, it’s also shown that the “old way” is not always “the way”. While I’m sure you’d have preferred to be in the seats, the fact they have that option is a huge step forward (in my own mind).
Now, can we continue with this creativity or will be going back to “normal” which wasn’t really that normal at all!
Time will tell.
As it is, that’s a great family picture! Everyone looks so happy to be together, which is the main thing! š