To attend a Graduation Cerimony or not

Majin Gojira · Post by **Majin Gojira** » 2006-05-17 07:00pm

Let me get it out right now that I just don't like overlong cerimonies.

My sister's Grad School Graduation is coming up (tomorrow, in fact), and I've been asked to go. For the first time since I can recall, I'm actually being given a 'Choice' about going or not.

There's really no legitimate reason why I should not go: my co-op search has hit a stalling point and I was only just finalized in my concept for Screenwriting (Which has a full haf-a-year to be worked on--and, frankly, I need as much time as I can get).

However, the only reason I can think of to go is to lend "emotional support"--spending most of the day on the train and in the cerimony. I'd rather attend one of her performances! (And she's a Soprano, as in Opera).

It doesn't seem worth it to me (but I'll probably end up doing it anyway), and even though I'm being given a "choice", I'm being bombarded with classic "Catholic Guilt" tactics--and that just pisses me off. If you're going to give me a choice-give me a choice! Don't wiegh the choices like that!

Man, this is annoying.

I should probably go, shouldn't I?

RedImperator · Post by **RedImperator** » 2006-05-17 07:26pm

I was at my own ceremony the other day and I was bored to tears. I was deeply annoyed that most of my family wasn't there to share the pain with me.

wolveraptor · Post by **wolveraptor** » 2006-05-17 08:23pm

I'd suggest you go. When people give you a "choice" in things like this, it's really not a choice at all. You can skip it and piss them off or go and be bored to tears.

Adrian Laguna · Post by **Adrian Laguna** » 2006-05-17 08:49pm

There is actually a third option. It's the one I prefer but it's possible that most people might want to pass on this one. Go, but take a book, comic, PSP, Nintendo DS, MP3 Player, whatever. That way you have something do during the ceremony.

Alyeska · Post by **Alyeska** » 2006-05-17 11:05pm

I have enjoyed every graduation I attended, especialy my graduation. Of course the local TV station had me wired up for my graduation and even interviewed me and did a 3 minute story on my graduation. That made for a whole new level of fun factor.

Kettch · Post by **Kettch** » 2006-05-17 11:32pm

Adrian Laguna's right. Bring something to pass the time, but tht can be easily a decretly put in a pocket. I've got some small classic books that can fit in a front pocket and are about 100 pages. Head phones may be problematic & may block out some of the response signals you are supposed to hear, especially if you have to take pictures.

Will other family members be there? Then a good part of their pressure may be them wanting to see you.

If you had the time, I'd say talk it out w/ your sister, but you don't have to seem to have a reason against going, besides the 'dead time' of the trip.

Finally, I think she will really appreciate, I remember when my uncle showed up, seemingly at random at my Eagle Ceremony. He was, in the most general sense, in the neighborhood, but it still ment alot to me, infoact I was suprised how much so.

So I guess I'm coming out on the side of yes, do it.

Post by **Surlethe** » 2006-05-17 11:37pm

I played at the Teacher's College graduation in front of the entire graduating class, so I had to sit there and do jack shit for the entire hour and a half of diploma-receiving. I was concertmaster, too, so I was the figurehead, and simply sat there with my instrument on my knees, trying not to fall asleep.

Boredom builds character.

Boyish-Tigerlilly · Post by **Boyish-Tigerlilly** » 2006-05-18 04:38am

What kind of boring ass ceremonies did you have? We had a party and free buffet at mine.

Sounds like you got jipped or something.

Specialist · Post by **Specialist** » 2006-05-20 01:14am

I would still go for the sake of nothing better to do.
Wouldn't you want her to attend your graduation too? Just bring a puzzle book or something to keep you occupied.

Ryushikaze · Post by **Ryushikaze** » 2006-05-20 01:26am

Adrian Laguna wrote:There is actually a third option. It's the one I prefer but it's possible that most people might want to pass on this one. Go, but take a book, comic, PSP, Nintendo DS, MP3 Player, whatever. That way you have something do during the ceremony.

I did that during my own graduation. When my dad thought about giving me flak about it, I began explaining to him how this was the least of the infractions being committed that day, and how he should be glad I was at least covert about not paying attention, as opposing to the people tossing the beach ball and playing with squirt guns.

He had to admit I was right.