Why You Shouldn't Skip Your Graduation Ceremony

You've almost reached the academic finish line, and graduation day will be here before you know it. This is a big deal — and besides the obvious (hello, you get your diploma!), there are several reasons why you should go to your graduation ceremony. While commencement might feel like the last thing standing in the way of your awesome summer before you venture out into the real world, you shouldn't look at it like that. You need to acknowledge the end of this chapter before starting the next one. Also, life is short. Even though the idea of sitting through eight million long and possibly boring speeches might seem like it would be crazy boring and not something you want to do, this is a moment that you'll hold dear until you're old and gray, and you need to recognize its importance.

Sure, you could skip the whole thing and head straight to the graduation party. Yeah, it will suck up your entire day and you'll probably be hungover still from the party the night before. And yes, most of the ceremony will be pretty dull. But it's just one day. And it's a day you'll remember. It's a feeling you'll never forget. You need to go. And if you're the first person in your family to graduate college, you don't have a choice in the matter — your attendance is mandatory. If you still need more convincing, here are all the reasons you should attend your graduation ceremony, even if you don't want to.

1. You won't get to do this again

School is ending and your career is about to begin. This is the last school experience you'll have, so you won't want to miss it.

2. It's an accomplishment you should be proud of

How many nights did you stay up working on an assignment? How many years have you been sitting in classrooms, taking tests, and jotting down notes? If nothing else, do it to celebrate what you've been working towards.

3. It's a chance to see your BFFs

You'll all go off and start your own lives after this. You'll probably stay in touch, but this is a day you should share with them.

4. Graduation gowns are SO comfortable

They're like a giant bag of satin that they give to honor seriously accomplished humans. LIVE in that gown for the day.

5. There's always a party afterwards

This will probably be the best party of the year, and everyone in attendance will have been at the ceremony. Don't be the guy or gal who missed out.

6. You'll probably get some money

A standard gift for new graduates is money, because everyone knows you're about to be dirt poor as you start your career. But typically, cash is only given to the person wearing the cap and holding a diploma, so make sure you're that person.

7. It's a segue into the real world

This is a key part of the transition. You can't skip it, or you'll feel like something is missing.

8. Your parents deserve it

I finished school a semester early and moved from New Hampshire to California in the spring. But I flew back to the good ol' Granite State because I'm an only child, and my parents helped me pay for college, and they earned my graduation ceremony just as much as I did.

Your parents probably sacrificed something (probably a lot of somethings) to get you into college. Do this for them.

9. It's an important memory you'll always cherish

It'll end up in your mental moment reel, because it's important. Don't leave a blank space in your life that could easily be filled with a moment you'll cherish, or you will always regret it.

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