What does it mean to “commence?” According to the online dictionaries I consulted, the word commence means to begin, as in to begin an action or an activity. OK, that makes sense. So then why do I always think of commencement as an ending not a beginning?
This weekend MTC and DWU will have their commencement ceremonies and next weekend is Mitchell HS commencement. Plus, all the communities in the area are having their commencement ceremonies over the next couple of weekends too. I’ve been through three commencement ceremonies in my life, high school, college, and seminary and each time it was the final official event I had with each of those communities of learning. The classes were finished, the testing and evaluating completed. So, why does “commencement” seem to mark endings but “commence” is about beginnings?
So, I dug deeper into the word commencement and discovered that the intended focus of the commencement ceremony is on the conferring or giving of a degree to an individual. What that means is that the ceremony is about starting a new reality about the individual receiving the degree. In a sense it is saying, “You are a different person now.” “You have new knowledge and skills to use as you live your life.” In that sense, commencement is a beginning. One crosses the stage, receives their diploma and degree, and then steps into the world with the skills, training, and education for a new beginning in life.
Yes, commencement can mark endings, the end of attending classes at a certain institution. It’s the end of certain professor/student relationships. It’s the end of certain friendships as people head off in their different directions for their next chapter in life’s ongoing journey.
However, the real intention of commencement, I now realize, is that of beginnings. It is the beginning of a new direction or phase in life. It is the beginning of using one’s education and skills in a new way. It is a beginning with certain doors being opened or at least available to the person because of the training and education that has been received. But there is one other way that I believe the commencement ceremonies mark a “beginning” point in life. It marks the beginning of a time of continued learning and growth.
There are two moments that have been a part of “commencements” in my life that have shaped me. The first was at my high school graduation. There was a specific award given out to one male and one female student in the graduating class. It was called the “I Dare You…” award. It was an award that recognized the potential in a student to make a difference in the world. I received that award. I was shocked. I never saw myself as a world changer…but could I??!! Someone seemed to think I had the potential.
The second moment that has shaped me was a part of an unofficial commencement ceremony. I had just completed my Private Pilot check ride with an official FAA examiner. Once back on the ground the instructor took my logbook and signed it, he also gave me a piece of paper that said I had passed and that I was now a certified private pilot. That was a special moment. But what really struck me was as he handed me all those documents he said, “This is your license to keep on learning.” He was saying, you’ve accomplished something great, but don’t think you know everything you need to know. There is so much more to learn. Keep on learning! Keep on growing!
So, to all you seniors and others who are experiencing commencements, I know you’re thinking it’s time to put the books and learning behind you. You’re done with that!! OK…maybe set the books aside for a week or two. But realize, this isn’t an ending…it’s a beginning. Yes, you have accomplished something great…but there is so much more to learn. Keep on learning! Keep on growing! Good words for all of us no matter our age.
Pastor Keith