A handmade graduation card workspace with black, gold, and white cards in progress beside paper scraps and crafting tools. A printed sheet with the message “Graduation is more than just a degree…” sits beneath the cards, with a Canon camera resting nearby in soft natural light.

Gradutaion is more than just a degree

As the Spring 2026 semester at my college wraps up, much of my time lately has been focused outside of photography. There are still many images from the recent Yellowstone trip waiting to be edited, but for now my attention has shifted toward final projects, deadlines, and the close of another academic season.

In between assignments, I have been making graduation cards for peers who have completed their degrees and are preparing for what comes next. Watching them move forward feels bittersweet. Over the past few years I have watched many of them grow, struggle, adapt, and succeed.

I have finished many cards this week. One of the cards sitting on my desk right now is for a classmate, another person I know I will miss seeing each week after graduation.

Graduation is more than just a degree. It reflects the work, persistence, and growth that brought someone to this moment. I hope that in some small way, the encouragement and support I shared along the way helped leave a positive impression as they step into their next chapter.

What started as a small way to encourage people around me may soon become part of the creative work shared through ScrimpyArts.

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