After years of hard work and sleepless nights, you finally made it. Excitement fills the air as the countdown begins. Years have now become months then days as graduation day quickly approaches. What will you wear? Who will you invite? Family? Friends? Colleagues?
Wait! You’re not attending?
Many of my friends have chosen to pass up the one day they’ve worked tirelessly to finally see. Why? Were the participation costs for the big day just too much after paying off tuition for your last semester? Was the color of the robe unflattering? Couldn’t get time off? None of the guests you invited RSVP’d yes? Was the ceremony scheduled for Saturday or Sunday so you can’t attend because of religious observance? Whatever the reason, I can’t imagine why one would choose to miss out on such an important day in your academic career. I can proudly say that I haven’t missed any of my graduation ceremonies. I could never get tired of attending them (Pre-K, fifth grade, eighth grade, high school, college) . As a matter of fact, I’ll be preparing for my sixth graduation ceremony in June 2013 when I’ll graduate with my master’s degree.
If none of the reasons why many miss out on turning the tassel did not apply to you, then I’d love to hear your reasons for missing out on the festivities, after all, you already paid for it. Remember that annoying bill that pops up every semester called tuition? Well, not only does it help pay for your professors, the staff, and maintenance of the college or university grounds, it also covers special programs and events–like graduations.
If you’re not going to attend for yourself, attend for your family and friends who have “hopefully” cheered you on from start to finish. Let me share some of the reasons why I attend each ceremony and I hope you’ll be inspired enough to change your minds and attend your next one. I attend because I’ve invested my time, money, and energy into my academic success. I attend for those who do not have the same opportunity to get an education, because of their finances or legal status in this country. I attend for those who did not make it to the finish line because they were robbed of their opportunity by violence. I attend to prove those who thought I couldn’t make it because of my race, family background, or gender WRONG. I attend as an example to my siblings and others who depend on me to set the example for them as a role model.
If those reasons are not enough then I don’t know what is. All I know is I’ve reserved my seat and I plan on filling it when that glorious day comes, rain or shine.
