So, I graduated from High School in 1997.
I dislike dress rehersals. I'm not much for ceremony. I wouldn't have gone if not forced by the powers that bee'd.
In december I got an assocaites degree. The only thing that I kept me from getting my Bachelors degree at the same time was FA 100, the arts attendance requirement.
Done with that now, so I can get my degree.
I get my degree whether or not i "Walk".
My landlord (a professor here) was shocked and says that its something that I have to do.
Who can give me a good enough reason to attend the graduation ceremony? remember the sorting out of stuff at dads house. Sentimentality? I have none.
thanks for the help,
Sam
9 comments:
Brother, I cannot help you here! I did graduate (in 3 1/2 years!), but I had absolutely NO desire to be cooped up in a stuffy auditorium waiting for 500 other people's names to be called while Bob tried to keep a 6 month old Robby happy in the stands.
I have to say that I have never missed it.
Although, it might be nice to have a picture of it for my kids to see -
So borrow a cap and gown, roll up a paper and take a picture in front of a building on campus!
That being said, I do STILL remember attending Dad's graduation from Palmer - I was really proud.
Sam,
The way we see it, if the degree was worth working for, it's worth sitting through the graduation ceremony to celebrate it, whether you see the "need" to do it or not. It's sort of the whipped cream and cherry on top of the hot fudge sundae!
There's a feeling that comes with hearing the strains of "Pomp and Circumstance" as you march up the aisle, knowing that it's for YOU, that you don't get to experience often in life.
And for the spectators, what a thrill to search for their loved one in the sea of caps and gowns and being able to "spot" them as they enter the arena. And the thrill of hearing their name announced and watching them walk across the stage to receive their diploma - there's nothing like it!
It's one of those rites of passage that might not mean very much to you at the time, but over time it becomes more meaningful.
Besides, when you're old and gray like us, and your memory begins to fade, the pictures are the only thing that reminds you that you actually did it! Also besides, if you'll let us know when it is, we'll be there for it!
MARCH!!!! Dumm-da-da-da-dummm-dummm, Dumm-da-da-da-dummmmm . . .
We love you!
DAD and Ramona
From someone who has spent more time than most working on a degree without achieving anything but an associates degree, I would say make it priority number 1. It opens more doors than it will ever close. It's worth the time and energy and as I see it, you've got nothing keeping you from it right now. Add kids, a mortgage, car payments and "needs" and you're pretty much bucking a stacked deck.
Sam,
While I did achieve a bachelors degree, I did not attend graduation ceremonies. I was 9 months pregnant with Cindy Lynn on the date of my graduation ceremony and had no desire to look like a beached whale anywhere that I didn't absolutely have to.
I've never regretted not "walking", but like Andra said--I sometimes do wish I had pictures. Isn't that funny!
Jeff didn't walk either, and to my knowledge hasn't regretted it a day since. However, I do. I wish I had the pictures and the experience, because we both made some really incredible sacrifices for him to finish school and I could have appreciated the ceremony. That being said about sacrifice and hardships, the day I finally graduate, I'm going to all the ceremonies I can attend, take all the pictures I can and am throwing a HUGE party for myself! You're all invited...spring '09!
Ok... so as far as i can tell, i'm not the only one in the family that simply doesn't care for the pomp and circumstance of graduation.
I've done the work to get my degree. I can't say that i have ever said "I can't wait to rent that cap and gown!!!".
Maybe we'll head back to Sea World again to celebrate. I tend to think those are among our most fun pics, and far more fun than trying to find me in a sea of blue caps and gowns... maybe i would go if i could wear my (val's) hot pink and black splatter 80's tie again, like i did to H.S. graduation. anyone know where it is?
Sam--
We had CL's high school graduation on the beach. We used one of the many caps & gowns that were left in my cedar chest and had our own ceremony, complete with Pomp and Circumstance on kazoos! I have to say it was very meaningful...
Besides, speaking as the voice of one who had to play "Pomp and Circumstance" on the violin for hours with the orchestra while everyone walked up, having one less person go up to the stage would really help out those poor string players!
I never played that in college, but did do it in high school for what seemed like hours!
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