Letter: Sheer audacity

Published 12:15 am Thursday, August 15, 2024

It seems our local community college has truly outdone itself this time. I must commend them on their impeccable timing and priorities. Who knew that a bit of lawn mowing could so dramatically highlight their commitment to aesthetics — but only when the guests are important enough to warrant such attention?

Graduation day came and went, with students and their families wading through knee-high grass. Perhaps the college was trying to foster a sense of rugged determination in our graduates, preparing them for the wilds of the real world by starting them off in a suburban jungle. Who needs manicured lawns when you have a diploma, right?

As if by magic, when a few presidential candidates decided to grace us with their presence, the lawn was suddenly pristine. It’s almost as if the college was whispering, “We’re not usually like this; we promise!”

One can’t help but marvel at the sheer audacity. The institution that prides itself on molding the minds of tomorrow couldn’t be bothered to provide a respectable venue for its own graduates, but jumped at the chance to impress a handful of politicians.

The message is clear: students, your achievements are noteworthy, but let’s be honest, not as noteworthy as a potential photo-op with a future president.

Perhaps the administration should consider expanding their horticultural endeavors to match their political ambitions. A well-mowed lawn won’t solve the underlying issues of corruption and mismanagement, but can give the semblance of a college that cares — if only about appearances.

JUDITH TAYLOR

Astoria