Happy Graduation?

May and June are traditional months to congratulate and celebrate graduation. For over two decades, I worked at an institution of higher education and participated in the joy felt by those achieving their diplomas and credentials.

Today, I had a sad thought, realizing how much I missed being part of the big event, but then even sadder when I read, The number of unemployed persons increased by 563,000 to 13.7 million in April, and the unemployment rate rose to 8.9 percent. Over the past 12 months, the number of unemployed persons has risen by 6.0 million, and the unemployment rate has grown by 3.9 percentage points.

These hopeful young men and women are coming out of college with expectations that might not be met. There are no jobs to be had, and certainly no one spent thousands of dollars and hours on a degree only to land a fast food position.

President Obama has put a big emphasis on the importance of education, but I think the bigger issue is where do the thousands of graduates coming from the hundreds and hundreds of graduating college classes all over the country fit into the grim employment picture? Sadder now for our family, my unemployed husband and sister now have even more 'over-qualified' people with whom to complete. Thank goodness for the big $25.00 per week boost the unemployed recently received. Perhaps it might cover the 19 cent per gallon increase in gasoline over the past week. :)

Regardless of the grimness. My congratulations to all who have completed their educational endeavors. And my very best wishes. You've done yourself and your parents proud.