My Patient’s Graduation Was on Wednesday, June 4^th, 2026

My patient’s graduation from Whitney Young High School took place on Wednesday, June 4^th, 2026 at the Arie Crown Theatre in McCormick Place. When we were at school earlier in the day, the Whitney Young High School staff remarked, “He knows what is going on! He’s so happy!” My patient was clapping and smiling all day. He had worked very hard. His family turned it up: Pizza and graduation cookies! Yum!

I was still technically working, so I wore my work black gym shoes and black pants, but a more dressy black blouse and makeup for the occasion. Whitney Young High School let all the graduates know during graduation rehearsal that they had a strict graduation dress code and my golly gee I was determined to adhere to it. I was asked by the school to also wear a graduation cap and gown. They even gave me a white and blue stole. Depending on the website you look at, this was supposed to be the colors for nursing and humanities.

I had to go on YouTube to figure out what I needed to do to keep my graduation cap on my head. I remember when I graduated as an undergraduate student that this was a problem. I saw a video that recommended using a lot of bobby pins and hair clips, which I rushed out to buy at my local beauty supply store. I wore orange disposable gloves. I wanted something to represent the school colors besides my graduation stole.

My patient looked too cute in his graduation outfit. We both were determined to show up and show out.

It was delightful to see all the students dressed up for graduation. Some of them had me sign their yearbooks! It was just to sweet! Whitney Young High School runs from the 7^th grade to the 12^th grade. In other words, some of the students had been waiting for this day for nearly six years.

This is why you have to be patient for something.

Needless to say, like most things in this life, my patient’s graduation was a group effort. My patient’s extended family was there. The nurse who has been with him since he was six months old was also there. My patient had partied so hard all day that he fell asleep during his own graduation party!

I took tons of pictures. I received virtual flowers and ballons from people on my iphone. The ceremony was recorded and placed on YouTube the very next day. This was another event I felt honored to be apart of. I literally remember when it was yesterday that I received that call I almost did not pick up.

I am grateful I took the call.