Let's Keep In Touch

Recently I attended a college graduation ceremony in scenic Camden, New Jersey.  As I watched the well choreographed flow of students on to and off of the stage, my thoughts strayed to other graduations and moving on type moments.  Let’s face it.  We all attend these events because there is one student we have come to see and cheer for, and the thousands of others give us some time to get lost in our own thoughts.

And one thought that struck me was the fact that these students, from various countries and various parts of this country, have a distinct advantage over those of us who graduated “way back when”.  Most of these graduates, if they purchased a yearbook, did not get their friends to inscribe their phone numbers on the pages for future reference.  And they don’t have to.  All of the various social media sites will serve to keep them as well connected as they choose to be!

They can go online and find people they know by school and graduation year, or other things they may have had in common during the school years.  Catching up is less dependent on where you live than on the networks you frequent.  So that friend from Argentina who graduated with you is as accessible as the buddy who moved into the next town.

And lest you think that I haven’t figured it out,  I can also find old classmates and friends from my graduation as well, and indeed have been surprised to find out that some live a stone’s throw from my home.  We’ve even done lunch.

One friend who is working on her dissertation for a future graduation, is researching the ways that FaceBook in particular has changed the way people communicate.  I can’t wait to read her paper, and will be sure to share it with you all.

So for now, congratulations to all the various classes of 2009,  go forth and conquer, and let’s keep in touch!

Regina

June 23-2009

Here is an update to keeping in touch.  This morning when I logged in to Twitter, I found a link that will notify me when someone from my high school or college graduating class joins AlumTweet!  Imagine that!

Regina Sillitti is Project Coordinator for Dinkum Interactive. She has worked in programming, design, business analysis and quality assurance. Her background in design and data processing give her a unique perspective on client - tech translation. You can reach her at [email protected], or find her on Twitter, @ReginaSillitti.