Yes, it is a bummer, the likelihood of a Zoom virtual graduation ceremony. Nothing can emotionally replace that magical moment in a traditional ceremony when your name is announced, you walk across the stage, shake hands with whichever college biggie is there for the photo op, and then descend the stairs a somewhat different person.

Four years or more of blood, sweat, and tears, and a whole bunch of money, and the emotional summation is these few seconds in the spotlight when your whole family (who had this date marked on their calendar as soon as it was announced) is going crazy, crying and calling out your name for the world to hear.

But right now, with the Covid-19 lockdown and ban on large group gatherings, it will be a different type of graduation. Time to think of the benefits of a Zoom approach for 2020.

*you can attend in your pajamas instead of dressing up.

*you do not have to rent a graduation cap and gown; instead you save some money.

*you can invite a small number of friends for the ceremony if they can be spaced six feet apart and wear masks, instead of you sitting next to students chosen by some algorithm.

*you can decorate all the masks involved in your celebration instead of being limited to putting a message on your graduation cap.

*you can sit in a comfortable chair instead of those awful folding chairs.

*you can bat a beach ball around freely instead of being reprimanded.

*you can enjoy the absence of a verbose invited speaker instead of being completely bored.

*you can eat home-cooked food instead of being in a long line at a nearby restaurant.

*you can quickly “walk”—into your living room, instead of having to wait in line to “walk.”

One final note regarding your virtual graduation, do not respond if some killjoy asks what are you going to do now with your diploma and your life. Instead show him or her the door!