As graduating seniors stand in line this week to rent traditional caps and gowns, one thing is clear: The UCSD graduating class of 2002 will need more than the artificial flattop afforded by their ceremonial attire to maintain balance after their lives are turned upside-down after graduation.
Guardian
Although smiles in the line certainly outnumber worried frowns, a definite aura of insecurity lingers among cap-and gown-renters.
The most apprehensive were those eying the job market after four or more years of education.
“”You know how everyone has a going-to-sleep ritual, like brushing your teeth? Well mine was sending out resumes,”” said Stephanie Ng of Thurgood Marshall College.
Ng said she felt slightly exasperated after sending out over 500 resumes in the last year.
“”Nobody’s hiring right now,”” she said.
Soon-to-be UCSD graduates looking forward to further education say they may find more stability.
“”Graduating is scary, but staying in school and not having to go on the job market yet is a relief,”” said Marshall’s Allison Williams, who will be attending UCSD’s graduate teaching program.
Muir student Lindsay Bircham, who will attend the New England School of Law this fall, is equally thankful for the opportunity for post-graduate education, but has worries of her own.
“”I will be in debt by the time I am out of law school,”” she said. “”I can look forward to paying $200 a month.””
Regardless of concerns about job prospects and finances, most graduating seniors feel that the caps and gowns they are renting represent real accomplishment, not simply the expected passage through yet another phase in their quest for success.
“”This is definitely an accomplishment,”” said Ng, Williams and upcoming graduate Melissa Beckley.
Cap and gown rentals are available at the UCSD Bookstore until Sunday, June 16. Rental costs are $25.26, plus a $7.74 ceremony fee.
