Written By Kenneth del RosarioIllustration by Lengski
Amidst the flurry of emotions students feel during graduation ceremonies, the event often passes by like a blur that you fail to absorb every thing that takes place around you.
But wouldn’t it be nice to remember your Graduation Day as vividly as our memories would serve us? After all, it is the single most important day that sums up the hardships you endured in school for years.
While a year book would do a great job at jogging your memory about the good old days, there are things that could make reminiscing about the big G-day more special and unforgettable.
Here are practical tips to make sure the occasion stays fresh when you walk down memory lane 20 years from now:
1. Snap outstanding photographs. - Take time to pose for the camera. Snap images with family, friends, and teachers. Do this before the program starts so you appear made and fresh in your shots. Arrive at the venue 30 minutes before the program proper and take advantage of the decorated and well-lighted stage before every one else does. You don’t want to wrestle with your fellow graduates on the way there. Besides, no one wants to hang on their walls a shot that captured hell breaking lose in the background.
2. Send graduation announcements. - Let people know you are graduating and invite them to the occasion. Many won’t make it but this will give them a chance to, hopefully, congratulate you on your achievement. You can’t expect everybody to send a graduation gift but doesn’t a good student like you deserve a card, a call, or cash as a reward?
3. Write your parents a letter. - Nothing is more overwhelming than a parent receiving a Thank You letter from his or her child. Before the Graduation Day itself, put into writing words of gratitude for your parents’ unfailing dedication and support. Ask your parents to write you a letter as well and exchange the letters during the ceremony.
4. Throw your cap. - Enough feeling like you’re Harry Potter. Be the first one to throw your cap in the air or toss it as high as you can. Don’t be afraid to lose your cap. Just pick up the first one that hits your face. Now that would be memorable.
5. Make new friends. - Talk to the person seated next to you. Start with light talk; find out what his or her plans are after college. Years later, you will be amazed when you remember it was on your Graduation Day you met your best friend. In case you are in a more reconciling mood, mend fences with classmates (or teachers) whom your relationship with had gone sour over the years. This would make you feel doubly good about yourself: All friends, no enemies.
6. Attend rehearsals and follow instructions. - Know where to walk on the way up the stage when your name is called. Looking like a lost child in front of every body is not hip. Follow dress codes and browse through the program sheet to get an idea of what is expected of you during the commencement exercises.
7. Do something crazy. - If you’re known to be the shy, timid girl in class, release all your inhibitions for 30 seconds and shout at the top of your lungs. Sing praises, dance, hug your seatmate. Bring your own confetti and shower fellow graduates with it. Sky’s the limit for this. Be creative!
8. Frame your awards. - Treat your medals and trophies to an elegant glass case. This would help preserve their glitz long enough for you to tell your grandchildren about them someday. It sure would make an excellent conversation piece in your living room. You worked hard for them, flaunt ’em!
9. Finish the ceremony. - This is your day. Realize that the occasion was meant to celebrate your achievement. Being there when the program ends is as, if not more than, important as being there before it starts. Listen to what the guest speakers have to say. Speeches are often good sources of inspiration and, at times, comedic relief. Respond to and interact with guest speakers as much as possible.
10. Make dining reservations. - Cap the night with a lovely dinner with family or friends. If you’re eating out, restaurant reservations ahead of time avoids the hassle of running out of tables when other graduates and their families swarm the place. Should you decide to celebrate at home, prepare a dish or two for your family before leaving for the occasion. This way, you’ll have food waiting for you when you get home from the event.
These tips, though common, merit repetition as they often slip people’s attention during the days leading up to G-day.
However, the underlying theme is simple: Exert effort to make your Graduation Day as lovely as possible by enjoying a hassle-free celebration.
Attend the ceremony because you want to, not because you are required to. At the end of the day when the merry-making is over, enjoy some quiet time by yourself and say your prayers. Let the day’s activities sink in.
While some people may find graduation ceremonies dragging or boring, it’s really how you pay attention to the little details that makes all the world of a difference.
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Published in Philippine Daily Inquirer
March 14, 2008
Page K1
For me, the better actor to play "Edward Cullen" of "Twilight" than Robert Pattinson (dont get angry with me fans ^_^)
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