Celebrate Your Graduation

Posted on Sunday, May 29th, 2016

For most senior college students their educational journey is coming to an end. They have completed their academic studies and are beginning their job search. Getting that first job is important. In fact, it needs to be the priority, but pausing to celebrate all that they have accomplished is also important. Unfortunately, too many community college graduates don’t attend their convocation ceremony.

So the question is why don’t they attend? I’ve chatted with a few graduates, and here are the top five reasons they gave me for not attending.

  1. I plan on being employed and I don’t want to ask for a day off to attend graduation.
  2. I’m moving away and it’s too far to travel to come back for the graduation ceremony.
  3. Most of my close friends from college won’t be attending, so I don’t want to celebrate alone.
  4. It’s not a big deal to me. I’m not into ceremonies.
  5. My family left the decision up to me and I opted not to attend.

So, now let me share the top five reasons why graduates should attend their convocation ceremony.

  1. Later in life, they will regret not attending. As we get older we have a greater appreciation for everything that we have accomplished and looking back on grad photos is a reminder of the hard work that needed to be done to earn a certificate, diploma or degree.
  2. It’s not just about the graduate. For parents, spouses and family members the celebration of a college graduate is just as meaningful for them as it is for the grad. While some parents will be passive and let the graduating student decide on whether to attend, trust me, inside they want their grad in the procession. Snapping that photo of a son, daughter or spouse walking across the stage in their gown and receiving their diploma from the President of the College is a moment of pride that they want to experience.
  3. Convocation ceremonies are fun. Yes, there is some down time when all of the graduates have their moment on stage, but for the most part, the ceremony is filled with inspirational messages, plenty of smiles and the anticipation of an even greater celebration with family and friends when the auditorium empties.
  4. You never know who is watching and paying attention in the audience. This is particularly true for award winning graduates who may catch the attention of a prospective employer as they are acknowledged for their academic prowess and college success in their field of study.
  5. It’s the right thing to do. Convocation ceremonies are the closing of a chapter in a person’s life. It may not be the last time a graduate enters into an educational program, but for now, it needs to be marked as a very special moment in time, just like a marriage or the birth of a child. Graduating from a post-secondary program can be life-changing, and it needs to be recognized in a formal way.

In closing….

  • Your new boss will probably understand if you let them know up front when your graduation ceremony is being held and that you would like to attend.
  • Call your fellow graduates and encourage them to participate. You’ll be amazed how influential you can be. If you need to travel, make it a great road trip to see some very dear friends. You’ll be glad you made the effort.
  • Give it is the importance it deserves. It really is a “big deal.” Do it for your parents or partner. They do care and want you to be at the ceremony. Most importantly, do it for yourself!
  • Life is too short. Fill it with great memories of your accomplishments. Your grad photos will live on for family generations to follow.

Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus will be celebrating its 2016 graduating class on Friday, June 3rd at 2:30 p.m. at the Pembroke Memorial Centre. I hope this blog will convince all of our graduates to attend.

Post by: Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs at Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus.


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