Swine Flu Fears Sweep Nation

For the past week, the swine flu has dominated the news. The swine flu is doing more than just canceling school. The swine flu is canceling events across the nation.

Twenty-two students from Slippery Rock University are banned from graduating with their class. These twenty two students have spent time in Mexico student teaching. When swine flu threats spiked, the students came home early in order to avoid being stuck in Mexico. Many of the students feared missing out on graduation.

Did the school embrace these students when they came back? Quite the contrary. Like lepers shunned from their community, the twenty two students will have their own ceremony. Their classmates who did not travel to Mexico will have to watch their ceremony. Is this embarrassing or is this a more memorable graduation? It all depends on what students you ask.

Slippery Rock students are not the only students to have their graduation plans altered by the swine flu. Students at Cisco Junior College in Texas will get their diplomas in the mail. Northeastern University students will forgo the customary handshake upon receipt of their diplomas. Instead, they will get photographed with the dean. Perhaps these photographs will serve as memories of swine flu for years to come.

In addition to college graduation changes, the swine flu has canceled proms and sporting events. All schools in Texas and Alabama have canceled their sporting events for the time being. Students in Park City, Utah will have to cancel their prom plans. Hundreds of thousands of high school students are very disappointed. However, disappointed students are better than sick students.

The swine flu has not canceled all major events, however. This weekend the Kentucky derby is still going strong as planned. Memphis, Tenn. based Memphis in May Beale Street Music Festival is still rockin' on at Tom Lee Park right off the Mighty Mississippi.

Although swine flu has canceled college graduations and high school activities, major events in the nation still go on. As always those who don't feel their best are best advised to stay home. If you do go out, make sure you wash your hands and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Always be mindful of others!

Resources:

www.cnn.com
www.latimes.com