How would you feel?

[Lylesmom]

Our RN pinning ceremony is 5 1/2 wks away and we are told now that we are only allowed 4 people to come for it. Or we can barter with others for their tickets. Does this seem right? I have added the letter I submitted to our director and dean of our program. I have edited it so no one will know which college we attend. please tell me what you think. thanks

I am writing this on behalf of myself, no one else. I am not trying to cause problems or make waves or any such thing. I received a message from a fellow student, that her father had called and talked with the dean today and was told that we would be allowed to invite 4 people to graduation or we could barter with fellow students for their share of people. I am quite confused and upset by this whole situation. We have worked very hard for this, sacrificed, and put our lives on hold. Our families have also had to sacrifice as well. And now we have to tell family and friends that “I’m sorry but we are only allowed to invite 4 people to share in the celebration that the last two years were not for nothing. I am sure when you all went to your pinning ceremony it was as important to you as it was to the people in your lives. This is suppose to be one of the most important days of our lives. Myself alone have succeeded more than I ever thought I would be able to. I dropped out of school and got my GED. My friends and family want to share in this wonderful moment and celebrate this milestone in my life. There are other students that I know are in the same situations. One student has 6 children, and now she must choose who can come watch mommy? After all that we have made it through- this is what it comes to. Students who are trying to make a decision of whether or not to go to their pinning ceremony because of this situation.

Why not seek other alternatives. Renting a center, how much could it cost? Some of us were talking today, and agreed that we would be willing to each give $20.00 to help in this cost if that is what is keeping the college from seeking an alternative location. I have close to $28,000 in loans and I would like for everyone in my life that wants to celebrate this moment with me, to be able to come. If it costs me an additional cost so those people that are important in my life to be there, than so be it. I just wish people in the college would see how important this is to us. I know it is basketball season, but to think that athletics are put ahead of academics is a sad thought. There must be something that can be done. I beg of you to please take into consideration these ideas. You know how important your pinning ceremony was to you. Please don’t let this be how our nursing careers start, with some not even going to their graduation because they are forced to choose. Thank you for taking the time to read this.