Friday was graduation day for students at Manhattanville College, and they celebrated in person again.

Both the classes of 2021 and 2020 received their diplomas in Purchase.

Capacity was limited to just two family members per graduate. Each pair of chairs on the lawn were socially distanced to make sure the ceremony ran safely and smooth.

Students tell News 12 that they're not only graduating with academic achievements but also life lessons through the hardships during the pandemic.

"If anything, this last year taught me how important it is to be surrounded by people that you care about and how important it is to keep moving in and all odds are against you to keep fighting," says graduating senior Gabrielle Pereira.