On Monday, Yale University celebrated its 324th commencement at the historic Old Campus. Over 1,000 students, along with their loved ones, filled Temple Street to mark this important milestone.
Breanna Nguyen, a graduate, expressed her excitement: “All my hard work for the past four years has finally led up to this moment.”
Kelvin Smith, from White Plains, N.Y., reflected on his journey. He shared how Yale transformed him from an unsure kid into a confident adult.
“When I first arrived, I was inexperienced and unorganized. Now, I feel like I’m ready to take on the world,” he said. Kelvin, who studied economics, hopes to work in sports finance with the NBA.
Neuroscience major Tesse Okunseri also shared her thoughts. She highlighted the friendships she’s built during her time at Yale. “It’s bittersweet. This might be the last time I see some of my friends, but celebrating together warms my heart,” she said. Tesse’s mother, Ellie, watched on proudly from the audience.
Interestingly, this year, Yale awarded 1,151 Bachelor of Arts degrees and 638 Bachelor of Science degrees. Notably, former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern delivered the keynote address, inspiring graduates with her insights.
Graduation ceremonies, like Yale’s, can provide a sense of closure, and this year many graduates are not just looking back but also forward. According to a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, nearly 60% of college graduates feel optimistic about job opportunities in their fields. This growing confidence may influence how graduates like Kelvin and Tesse approach their careers.
Overall, the day was a blend of joy, reflection, and hope for what lies ahead. The graduates left the ceremony ready to take on new challenges, armed with the skills and experiences gained at Yale.
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New Haven