With the staggered start times and the staggered lengths of programs of course graduation lasts an entire month.

No, not the graduation itself. That is a very busy day where you wait in the late Spring sun and sweat while listening to all of the speakers and watch the parade of students crossing the stage to receive their diploma. Depending on what level you are graduating at, you might hoist a beer to celebrate.

Whatever level of schooling you’re graduating from, congratulations.

This is the moment that makes all of the late nights and the late assignments (!) and the worry and angst worth it.

Being handed the diploma by the dean or principal is a momentous occasion and should be savored. Until they hustle you off the stage for the next graduate.

But for today, the sun is shining. Today the birds are chirping. Today the flowers are blooming. Today your family is beaming. And sweating a little because, did I mention it, it is nearly summer!

Graduation is a special time. I hope that you had special speakers.

Like the University of Maryland who was able to book none other than Kermit the Frog!

His speech was amazing. Do yourself a favor and google that right now.

Kermit spoke of finding your people and making connections.

This is easy to do at the high school, college and university level. Everyone is there to learn. No one is telling you what you know and what you are learning is wrong. Not so in the outside world.

However, the first point of finding your people aids you in the second point of making connections.

Even if the connections are with people who are decidedly NOT your people. That is what makes the world go around after all, the different species, and types of people.

After all, it is like Kermit closed with, making the rainbow connections is important. And he SANG to the crowd a snippet of his famous song “Rainbow Connections” from The Muppet Movie.

Find your people, make your connections, and I will see you on the other side. Maybe I will get to join you in December. Or next year.

Until then, keep your mind thirsty and filled with new information and don’t let the world’s events and bad crap allow you close off your brain. We need all the open minded people we can get. We also need people who are PAYING ATTENTION.