Congrats to Mississippi State University Graduates Class of 2017

Hey.

Graduating class of spring of 2017.

You did a thing.

A pretty big thing, in fact.

I mean, it was actually a set of tons of small things but they added up to one big thing. Over the past four (or five or whatever however many number) years, you’ve gone through several classes (most of which you passed, probably) and have had many experiences (including several in the Cotton District).

And now you’re set to graduate. That’s pretty cool. Really cool, in fact.

Because not that many people actually graduate from college. Sure, thousands of people will graduate tomorrow (and then whenever other universities have their graduations). But really the percentage of adults that actually do graduate from college isn’t all that high.

In the United States, the number of people 25 and over that have obtained a bachelor’s degree sits around 32.5%. Give or take a slight margin of error but yeah it’s pretty much 32.5% of the American population 25 and over.

In Mississippi, the number of people 25 and over that have a bachelor’s degree sits at 20.7%. Again, give or take a slight margin of error but yeah it’s pretty much 20.7% of Mississippians 25 and over that have a bachelor’s degree.

Which is not a lot of people, by the way.

So, it’s pretty cool that you’re graduating.

All of the hard work. The all nighters. The support from your families, loved ones, and friends. The procrastination. All of it has brought you to this moment. Where you’re graduating. And that’s pretty cool.

So, congrats to y’all. That’s exciting stuff. And you should be proud of this moment.

Hats off to you for all of it. You’ve made it. And now you’re on to the “real world” to get a job. Or go to grad school because the “real world” is scary. Or back to your parents’ house because the “real world” is scary.

Good luck with whatever is next in your life.

Hail State, graduating class of spring of 2017.

You did a thing.