Self-Celebration

May 20 continued to grow in its significance

72 years ago it was the day that my dad was brought into the world. Every year after it would be a special day for many for whom he was celebrated for as a father, a partner, a friend, an educator, a leader, and much more.

As a child, I never questioned I would always be able to observe the ways that he celebrated himself and the way that others celebrated him, not just on his birthday but any time that someone needed his unique love, encouragement, or a distraction from one of his rabbit trailed stories. 

The memories of my dad and his celebration of life and learning sit with me today: a day that was intended to hold a particular type of celebration. My dad was never able to see me walk across any graduation stage. How fitting that for the conferral of my master’s degree that I would be imagining a new kind of celebration that doesn’t involve a ceremonial performance on a stage. This is a new celebration, one that I would not have taken on my own. It is one that is for myself first, honoring the struggle of moving to a new city, especially one as uniquely treacherous as New York City, and accomplishing all that I have. 

May 20, 2020, was supposed to be a day that celebrated the closing of my chapter at NYU: holding commencement ceremonies with my family, friends, and peers. Instead, it’s a day that represents healing and a deeply reflective self-celebration. I’m thankful for this journey exactly as it has happened. I’m thankful for a path towards a purpose- and passion-filled life. And I’m thankful for the community of friends, peers, family, and onlookers that got me here and are continuing to carry me through. While we are not able to be together in person, I’m grateful that my dad gave me the value of honoring celebration for myself first and receiving love and honor even across space and time. I know that when the time comes we will all be able to celebrate together.