I’m feeling uncertain about participating in graduation. I’ll be graduating this May with my undergraduate degree, but living in a small mountain college town means that graduation weekend is quite overwhelming. I usually try to escape the chaos, especially since it coincides with my birthday. This year, I’d be walking just a day before I celebrate.
Honestly, I don’t have much desire to walk. My partner chose not to, and he has no regrets about it. Large crowds trigger my panic and anxiety, and my parents have voiced their annoyance about attending two graduation ceremonies—my brother is graduating with his master’s degree as well. I’d much prefer to celebrate my achievements with a smaller gathering of people who truly care about me, rather than in a huge stadium filled with strangers.
Everyone around me insists I’ll regret not walking, but to be frank, I still regret attending my high school graduation.
I’m leaning towards not participating, but I’d love to hear about your experiences. Are any of you deciding not to walk? Have you ever regretted that choice?
It’s completely understandable to feel conflicted about graduating and participating in the ceremony, especially with your experiences and preferences in mind. Many people face similar dilemmas when it comes to graduation. It sounds like you’ve already put a lot of thought into what feels right for you.
If big crowds and anxiety are major concerns, it might be best to prioritize your mental well-being. Graduation ceremonies can often feel impersonal and overwhelming, and if you think you’d enjoy celebrating in a more intimate setting, that’s totally valid. Your graduation is ultimately about you and your accomplishment, and how you choose to celebrate it should reflect what makes you happiest.
Regarding the fear of regret, remember that everyone’s experience is different. Some people find meaning in the ceremony, while others do not. If you genuinely feel that walking would add more stress than joy for you, it’s perfectly okay to skip it. You can always mark the milestone in your own way—perhaps with a special celebration with close friends and family.
Ultimately, listen to yourself and what you need. If not walking feels like the right choice, trust your instincts. Celebrate your achievement on your terms!