Covid-19 Shelter In Place Medical School Graduation

Covid-19 has taken away lots of celebrations from all of us.  In my world, my daughter, Callie, has been impacted in a big way.

You see, Callie finally reached the end of medical school.  The end of approximately 22 years of school called for a huge celebration.

Callie started school at 4 and went through 14 years to graduated from The Westfield School in Perry, Ga.  After Westfield, she attended The University of Georgia for 4 years.  Once she was accepted to medical school, she attended The Medical College of Georgia for 4 more years.  

We were so excited about the end of her school journey.

When Covid-19 hit, it wiped out our plans for Match Day.  What is Match Day?  Well, Match Day is a celebration with the entire medical school class.  After months of interviewing across the country, the students find out what school that they have matched with to do residency.  Covid-19 robbed Callie and her doctor friends of Match Day.  We celebrated, though.  

Next, The Medical College of Georgia declared that there would be an online graduation for the 2020 students.

Folks, MEDICAL SCHOOL GRADUATION IS A HUGE DEAL!  I had to make it special.  Here is what I did with the help of some of my friends.

Graduation Day!

Callie Arrives!

What next?

How to Hood...Dad and Callie had to practice the for The Hooding Ceremony.

Here we go!  The Official Hooding Ceremony!

Next, food, of course!

Once we were full of food and a little champagne, we headed in the house to watch the pre-recorded video for the medical school graduates.  The video was nice.  Callie enjoyed watching some of her professors express their congratulations to the students.  Callie's roommate Miller, was president of the class.  Miller gave an awesome speech to her classmates.  Also, each student was recognized with their residency location.

Once the pomp and circumstance was over, we headed out on parade.  We had a huge sign on back of this jeep that read "Dr. Caroline Cochran Ray, Graduation Day!  Dr. Caroline Cochran Ray is in This Jeep!"

I drove Callie around our community.  We rode by the house of friends and former teachers.  Lots of people honked their horns to express their congratulations to Callie.

The Parade Begins!

Some little people sing a tribute to Callie!

Stopping by Morning by Morning Coffee to see The Clevelands!  Best Little Coffee Shop in Perry, GA!

Once the parade was over, we took some pictures.  This was my favorite!

So.

You have a medical school graduate.

Heading out into the medical field in the midst of a global pandemic.

And honestly, there was no official pomp and circumstance.

What was it?

It was being creative and finding the positive in a circumstance beyond our control.  Callie will not have memories of walking across a stage receiving a diploma from her professors and medical administration.  She will have memories of her friends and family loving her through this milestone.  

💙, 1965