The Big Day
One of the biggest days a scholar can experience is their day of graduation. It’s the culmination of all their hard-earned work finally paying off in the most satisfying way possible. Now during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become incredibly difficult and actually sad that many students won’t be able to share the stage to enjoy that glorious moment of finally toppling the behemoth that is their scholastic journey.
For some, however, a pandemic would not stop them from sharing the momentous occasion with their loved ones. That was the case for two recently graduated students from Loyola University who went to visit their grandpa dressed in their cap and gown. Get the tissues ready because you’re in for an emotional roller coaster.
Vana Ebrahimi, a 25-year old student who attended Loyola University, visited her grandfather alongside her brother to celebrate their graduation together. Ebrahimi graduated from Loyola Law School while her brother graduated from medical school.
“We just decided since we’re both graduating, let’s go and surprise him and wear our cap and gowns,” Ebrahimi said. “It was a big deal for us to include him.”
Both students were videotaped outside of the window to their grandfather’s, Hayrik Abnous, window in La Crescenta nursing home. The event was nothing short of emotional as Hayrik unmasked himself revealing joyous delight in seeing his grandkids happy to have finally graduated.
Tears ran down Vana’s face as she was overwhelmed with how much she has had to overcome.
“It was heartbreaking but cute at the same time,” Vana said. “It was a surreal feeling for us both. It’s the American dream.”
Overcoming Adversity
Coming from Armenian ancestry, Vana’s parents and grandparents had to escape Iran and flee to Austria to eventually make it to the United States in 1993.
“My mom and dad came here literally with no money and not knowing English,” Ebrahimi said. “For us to be able to not just go to college, but also get a graduate degree… It was like the struggle of coming here and escaping war and doing all that was worth it. For us it feels like we’re finally paying them back.”
Ebrahimi and her grandma, whom she had been staying with, had been visiting her grandfather at the nursing home periodically. His fractured hip and heart condition have left him in need of medical attention. She said that she and her grandma had been visiting Hayrik almost every day before the current pandemic forced the doors of the nursing home to be closed; preventing any further visitors from coming in.
Vana said she has not been able to see her grandpa in 2 months since then.
“It was a huge deal to be able to have us all together to celebrate, even though it wasn’t the type of celebration we wanted or imagined,” she said. “Quarantine has had its perks of having more intimate moments with your family.”
A New Chapter Begins
Vana was reassured by the fact that her grandpa never quit being happy and smiling whenever he got the opportunity despite coming to America with little money and no familiarity with the English language. It always comforted her knowing that and was always looking towards graduation to give him the surprise of a lifetime.
“As an Armenian immigrant family, this meant the world for my grandfather who came here with little to nothing and not knowing the language to see us accomplish the American dream,” Vana stated.
This uplifting story will hopefully inspire students around the country to take action and celebrate their graduation in any way possible.
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