Graduation is a strange, surreal experience. One minute you’re stressing about finals, if you will even survive high school, and the next you’re standing in line at graduation rehearsal realizing this chapter of your life is coming to an end.
Graduation feels different for each person. Some seniors are excited, some emotional. Most are relieved. Many people probably feel all three at once. And if you are nervous about graduation itself, there are rehearsals for a reason.
Nobody expects you to magically know where to walk or to sit and what order to do both of those things in. That’s why seniors have two mandatory rehearsals before the big day. The first rehearsal at 8:00 am before convocation will give everyone time to find their assigned seats and get some idea of what the process will look like. At 3:15 pm that same day, the second rehearsal will take place at Moby.
Graduation is a formal event, requiring a business dress. As a formal occasion, students should dress it up a bit. Remember to wear shoes that are easy to walk in–but not tennis shoes.
Graduation caps can be challenging; make sure to try it out before the big day.
On graduation day, make sure to get there on time, keeping in mind parking and going through the security lines .
Before the ceremony begins, there is time to take pictures. Document this moment that you worked for. But once you take those photos, put your phone away and be in the moment. This is it, graduation is the end. There are no do-overs. Slow down and appreciate it. Spend a moment when you are standing in line, walking across the stage, or sitting in your seats to really consider the moment. You did it!
Endings never feel final, clean, or complete. It may feel unfinished, exciting, maybe even a little awkward. Make sure to give a proper goodbye. Thank your teachers, tell your friends you are grateful, take the extra picture, and linger a few more minutes in the parking lot.
Graduation is a time to celebrate accomplishments, and it is also a time of transition. It is the ending of one chapter, and a move on to the next. You may not remember all the speeches or all the names, but, hopefully, you will remember the feeling walking into Moby Arena as the crowd cheered and clapped.
If you want more information on the graduation timeline and details, check the “Event Timeline” on the Rocky homepage.
