Five Creative Ideas to Celebrate Graduating Seniors While Social Distancing

Time to put on the thinking (graduation) cap. It’s no secret that COVID-19 has changed a lot of plans for 2020, including Commencement. But that does not deter us from honoring the Class of 2020's achievements from the past four years. Here are some ideas to celebrate those who are graduating while maintaining a physical distance. 

1. Order a little gift.

A great and easy way to commensurate your senior friend’s achievements would be buying them a thoughtful present, especially one that would be useful post-graduation. Great suggestions for gifts include a nice bag, a desk plate with an inspiring quote, or an Amazon gift card.

2. Send an E-card.

While you are not able to give your senior friends a written card in person, that shouldn't stop you from showering them with words of encouragement and gratitude as they start this next chapter of their lives. Get them an online greeting card. Platform such as Canva allows you to create a card that fits the personality of your senior friends. 

3. Host a Commencement afterparty.

Host a virtual party to celebrate graduation! A video chat party is as fun as you make it. Get creative, like having everyone dress up in a costume that represents a graduating senior, play trivia games, and end the night dancing to celebration songs.

4. Create a video tribute or slideshow.

What better way to celebrate the past four years than to take your graduating friend on a trip down memory lane through a slideshow or a video tribute of your best memories together? Compile the slideshow or video and share it with your senior friend on Zoom. After the call, you can send your artwork to them so they can have it forever.

You can also enhance some photos using NYUAD's Commencement social media filters for fun!

5. Have brunch.

There is hardly an occasion that a good brunch is not suitable for, including graduation. Organize an online brunch with your graduating loved ones and their closest friends. Order from their favorite restaurants and spend brunch eating and reminiscing fond memories. You can also choose to organize making breakfast together virtually and pretend to be a cooking show host as you talk through what you're making. 

Chisom Ezeifemeelu is a sophomore at NYUAD majoring in Economics. She is passionate about writing and has a website called College Stuff Over Breakfast to provide advice on college productivity that are relatable and easy to read.