Yesterday was commencement day at RISD. It was great to see all of the happy young men and women (and their proud parents) march up College Hill to get their diplomas. I do hope many of them will stay in Rhode Island and contribute their special gifts to the city and the state, though I suspect most will be moving on or back where they came from to start their careers.
College Hill is awash with moving trucks and vans, carting off the students' belongings. In my brownstone, three of eight apartments became vacant, quiet now, waiting for new students with their own special hopes and dreams. It was especially sad for me as I had come to know two of the students and will really miss them.
While some will disagree with me, I think students add so much vitality and joy to the city -- I'll miss their antics in Prospect Park, their ad hoc artwork on the streets, and their zest for life. After all, they chose to come here, they chose Providence as the place where they would settle in for four or more years.
So here's to them! Congratulations, and all of the best!
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