Little brother’s graduation was on Friday (see geekyweekly link at right). Things looked pretty typical for a college graduation, although unusually brief (happy day). I begin steeling myself for a monotonous processional of inexpertly pronounced names. When the first row of graduates were called forward for the reading of the names, we were grateful to note TWO name readers–that’s right. Let’s speed this along. The first student hands his card over, there is a brief conferral regarding pronunciation, and then, with a great deal of gusto worthy of the “Let’s get ready to rumble!” guy, his name booms across the ampitheater, “CHEN LONG GUNGHO WONG!” The audience is stunned. A second name is read in professional announcer style at great volume. The audience is beginning to look around and chuckle. By the third name, people are clapping. I look at the hubby and say, clapping, “Well done!” You can tell students are really looking forward to having their names read, and the enthusiasm given the reading is really adding to the students’ enjoyment of the day. There is a lot of laughter as the announcers wade bravely through 13-syllable-long Indian names, or sigh gratefully for a traditional American name (and there are predictably few in the school of engineering).

I’ve never seen this sort of a production at a graduation, and likewise I’ve never seen such a response. Why? Paul’s theory: People are so suprised today to find something truly well done. Something so simple, but so powerful as attending to the vocal talents of your graduation readers really has a grand affect for which people are grateful. A little thoughtfulness produces much enjoyment. (Andrew: What’s the phrase–the cost ratio blah blah?)

Paul’s got a hangup about things being well done. He likes details to be attended to, and creative thought to be utilized even in small things. And I have to admit I sure enjoy the effects.

I’ve never read the book Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff (and it’s all small stuff), nor do I wish to. I get the idea: Don’t worry over things you can’t change, or that don’t matter. But every mantra has its dark side, and I surmise that we live in a society which couldn’t be bothered to sweat the “small” stuff at any cost. Sometimes the small stuff is what makes the biggest difference–small courtesies and civilities, little bits of creativity or nuance that really surprise, entertain, and produce enjoyment. Just a thought.

And congratulations, Andrew.

This entry was posted on Monday, May 29th, 2006 at 10:49 pm and is filed under From the nation of Indig. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.