Humans of Amherst: Endings and Beginnings

Commencement is soon, and I’m always puzzled that graduation ceremonies are called commencements. It’s tender to call this a beginning, but it’s also vague what exactly is beginning—something new, the rest of your life, a place besides Amherst?

Whatever is meant by “commencement” seems pretty daunting, so this week I asked Amherst residents what advice they might give to graduating seniors.

“I can’t emphasize enough the importance of being in community, looking out for one another, taking care of each other. That’s the most important thing. Take care of one another, especially in times like these.”

“I can’t emphasize enough the importance of being in community, looking out for one another, taking care of each other. That’s the most important thing. Take care of one another, especially in times like these.”

“Believe in what’s possible.”

“Think really carefully about what you really love to do in life. Because it’s important to do what you’re here to do, use your talents, and do what you love. You have to be able to pay the bills too, but chances are, if you’re doing what you love, you’ll be good at it, and it all works out … And never lose the ability to think for yourself. There’s often a political agenda to what you’re being taught, so it’s important not to lose your North Star, which is easy to do. It’s very hard to hold onto your integrity while doing what you love. So I would say, don’t ever lose your critical mind.”

“I hope you stick with your plans. I hope you stick with it.”