Millions of high school seniors won’t be able to experience a real graduation thanks to the social restrictions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. That’s why celebrities are helping them celebrate their achievement through a star-studded livestream hosted by Facebook and Instagram.
One of the many stars who participated in the event was Disney star-turned-singer Selena Gomez.
To Herself & the Graduates
Sharing what she would say to her younger self, the 27-year-old ‘Lose You to Love Me’ singer told graduates to ‘go ahead and do it’.
Acknowledging how the class of 2020 didn’t imagine their graduation to happen the way it did, Gomez praised the students for working hard to get to where they are today. Still, she assured them that it’s alright if they don’t know what they want to do for the rest of their life yet.
The pop diva then advised the graduates to not be frustrated by the setbacks they would face along the way as finding their passions is a journey. She even quoted host Oprah Winfrey telling the graduates that they would become what they believe.
Gomez herself didn’t get to have a traditional high school graduation when she finished her secondary studies in 2010. The star was homeschooled.
Halted Celebrations
In the end, Gomez wished that the class of 2020 will finally get to celebrate the milestone when the time comes that large social gatherings are possible once again. She concluded her message by telling the graduates to stay safe and keep in touch with their loved ones and friends.
Graduates aren’t the only ones restricted from celebrating important moments in life since the United States began practicing social distancing to prevent the spread of the pandemic. A lot of people have already canceled or postponed their weddings, proms, baby showers and other celebrations.
However, some have also found ways to work around the physical distance that separates people. Through virtual ceremonies and at-home celebrations, many Americans devised creative ways to make their graduation day special.
Facebook Graduation
Aside from Gomez, other celebrities who joined the Facebook and Instagram event for the class of 2020 are rapper Cardi B, comedian Awkwafina, singer John Mayer, actor Matthew McConaughey, and many more.
Winfrey gave the keynote speech during the ceremony. Meanwhile, former ‘Hannah Montana’ star Miley Cyrus gave a performance of her song ‘The Climb’.
The streaming event was broadcasted on Facebook Watch on May 15.