It’s what everyone expects when you finish university, but graduation ceremonies can come with a lot of anxiety for some and they just aren’t for everyone.
It’s a time to celebrate all that you’ve achieved over the last three years, but graduation ceremonies aren’t how everyone wants to celebrate.
The Pressure To Go
There’s an expectation though. They may mean well, but friends and family can unknowingly pressure you into going. It can get to a point where it’s too late for you to say that you don’t want to, or you’re too much of a people-pleaser to disappoint people.
It’s a big event. There are a lot of people, you have to dress a certain way and it can go on for hours. Most of them happen in the summer so it’s probably going to be hot and uncomfortable. If you’re an introvert, there’s not a lot of appeal in it. But the pressure to go to graduation can force your hand, particularly if people don’t understand how you feel.
Suffering from anxiety associated with attention and big crowds means that graduation ceremonies will not be enjoyable for you.
Being Honest
It sounds silly, but it’s often the best thing to do. But the day is meant to be about you, so doing something for others for the sake of your enjoyment is even sillier. I won’t lie, friends and family may be disappointed, but you have to remind them that the day is about you, so you should do what you want to do!
Not going to your graduation ceremony doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate in your own way. Going out for dinner with loved ones, having a day out somewhere, even just binging your favourite show. Doing what you want to do, without any pressure is how you need to celebrate your achievement.
You’ll still get your degree, and everyone will still be incredibly proud of you – the ceremony isn’t essential, even if it’s sold to you that way.
Well done for graduating. Now, celebrate how you want to!