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The 2019 Changwon National University graduation ceremony for the second semester graduates was canceled due to coronavirus. The event was scheduled on August 21, and was replaced by other events to prevent the spread of coronavirus. At a graduation ceremony, the graduates who have completed their studies at CWNU say goodbye to professors and schoolmates, and get ready for the next stage of their lives. Unfortunately, because of coronavirus the graduation ceremony could not be held in person. Instead, an online-congratulatory speech was held, and a photo-zone was put up on campus. Hopefully, the speech and the photo-zone helped the graduates feel like they were still commemorated despite the situation.
The congratulatory graduation speech was posted on Waggle. Lee Ho-young, the president of the university, said, “I respect the devoted, loving parents who have supported the graduates. I am also grateful to the professors and university faculty for educating and helping students with all of their heart and soul. It's a pity that we have to have an online graduation ceremony. Above all, please understand this was a necessary decision made for health and safety. I am sure that our graduates will become true pioneers of their own lives. I know that you will always use your intelligence to make the world a more beautiful place.”
Gu In-geun, the president of the Graduates’ Association, said, “Graduation is not an end, but a beginning. I hope you have dreams that you will try your hardest to achieve. I wish you all success in your future. Thank you.” Also, he gave three pieces of advice to the graduates. His advice was to not give up or be afraid when trying to achieve a goal, to invest more than 10,000 hours in a field or skill, and to think about what meaning you want your life to have. President Lee Ho-young and President Gu In-geun congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to have a successful future.
The university installed photo-zones on campus and recommended places to take graduation photos. It was installed in four spots including at the College of Social Sciences and Engineering. The graduates took pictures on campus to remember and cherish their school life. Each college lent a graduation gown and cap for taking a commemorative photograph. The loan period was different for each college. When students borrowed the gown and cap, they had to write their name in a visitor record registry and check their temperature. Students with a fever or respiratory symptoms were not allowed to borrow a gown and cap.
What did graduates think of the unusual graduation situation which was caused by coronavirus? Park Jae-eun, a master student in the Department of Nursing Science, said, “As I got older, I challenged myself by completing a master’s degree. Getting my master’s degree was harder than getting my undergraduate degree. So, this graduation was especially touching. Rather than being sad, I tried to understand the situation. I’ll leave with only happy memories of CWNU.” Kwon Yu-bin, a student in the Department of International Relations, said, “I was sad that I couldn’t have a fancy graduation ceremony because of coronavirus. I understand that it was necessary to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The graduation period lasted for about a week, so I was relieved that there weren’t many visitors on campus. I left with precious memories of the university.” Kim Ye-won, a student in the Department of English Language and Literature, said, “I am okay with what the school decided. The school took the appropriate measures to ensure a safe graduation in the middle of a severe situation.” The hope is that if the coronavirus situation calms down as soon as possible, then the students will be able to participate in a regular graduation ceremony this year. CWNU students and faculty should remember to wear a mask and practice social distancing until the current situation has improved.
By Bae Yun-bin, reporter binibbo99@naver.com
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