As the semester dwindles down to its final days, students are becoming anxious to greet summer, and for some, to step foot on new grounds ? a university. The graduation ceremony for the Pierce College class of 2008 will take place at 6 p.m. June 4, in Swisher Park, across from the cafeteria. While the event may seem to be an inclusive affair for graduates, their families and faculty, this does not have to be the case.Out of the 1,300 that have petitioned to graduate, only 500 have rented caps and gowns. Though students may be looking more forward to graduating from a four-year college, understand this: They have to get there somehow.Students who are not graduating should feel compelled to attend the graduation ceremony not only to congratulate their fellow classmates, but also to be inspired by the accomplishments of those who have completed a strenuous series of courses.It may seem that moving beyond the Pierce campus and entering a world of higher education is leaps and bounds away. However, several semesters will pass by quickly.With some hard work and stern focus on the future, students adorned in caps and gowns will end the first step of their higher-education experiences with a handshake from Pierce President Robert Garber.Pierce is the first step before the transition into a university; in a sense, Pierce is the beginning of the final step.