I’m torn about whether or not to participate in my graduation ceremony. I’m set to graduate this May with my undergraduate degree, but living in a small, touristy mountain town makes graduation weekend quite overwhelming. In fact, I usually try to escape during that time, especially since it coincides with my birthday. If I do decide to walk, it would be the day before my birthday.
I’m really leaning towards not walking. My partner chose not to, and he has no regrets about it. I often struggle with panic and anxiety in large crowds, so the thought of being around so many people is daunting. Additionally, my parents are not thrilled about attending two graduations, as my brother is also graduating with his master’s. Honestly, I would prefer to celebrate my graduation and birthday with a smaller group of people who truly care about me, rather than in a big stadium where most attendees won’t know me.
Everyone around me keeps insisting that I’ll regret not walking. To be honest, I already regret attending my high school graduation.
I think I’ve nearly made my decision to skip the ceremony, but I’d love to hear your experiences. Are any of you opting out of walking? If so, do you have any regrets about that choice?
It sounds like you’ve given this a lot of thought, and it’s completely valid to prioritize your comfort and well-being over the traditional graduation ceremony. It’s great that you’re considering what will make you happiest.
Many people feel pressured to walk because of societal expectations, but the experience is ultimately personal. If crowds and anxiety are significant concerns for you, sitting through a lengthy ceremony may not be worth it, especially if you’re not there to celebrate with people who matter most to you.
Having a smaller, personal gathering to celebrate both your birthday and graduation sounds like a wonderful idea! You can create a meaningful experience that reflects your achievements and who you are without the stress of a large event.
As for regrets, everyone’s feelings about graduation vary widely. While some people do regret not walking, many also find that their true celebrations come from the intimate moments shared with loved ones rather than a large ceremony. Ultimately, trust your instincts. Your journey and your choices should center around what feels right for you!