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I missed both my undergraduate and graduate ceremonies. I don't have any regrets.
When I was graduating with my undergraduate degree I was severely constrained economically because of tuition hikes and delayed graduation due to not being able to get classes when I needed them, etc.
I did my coursework for my graduate degree online via distance learning, so not really much connection there. My former employer was paying for my Master's degree and I was happy to take advantage of the opportunity for continued learning, and getting the credential.
I skipped my second masters and I have no regrets. It costs money to attend a graduation ceremony (cap and gown rental and so forth). The speaker for this one wasn't anything special. Celebrity speakers spoke at my other graduation ceremonies.
No, not at all. I was working that day of necessity, and the diploma came in the mail. What's to regret about not sitting in the sun with 600 other people for hours of blah blah blah? No regret whatever.
Because they are long, boring, hot, and not required?
Yup.
I didn't go, basically because I had no real connection with my classmates or the school. I went into the Marine Corps. right after high school, so I was 26 when I graduated college. To me, my military experience was more of an accomplishment (that's just in my case - I realize not everyone feels that way). I felt - and still feel - that getting a degree was like checking a box. Again, just my opinion/own experience.
I also lived off campus and was married, so I left every weekend to be with my wife and didn't really hang out with anyone at the school. The only exception was the guys I played rugby with (my sole extracurricular activity), but they weren't all that sentimental, anyway
Finally, I had no family who would have come to the ceremony would save my in-laws (who were mad that I didn't go, because George H.W. Bush was the commencement speaker that year).
I wasn't all that interested in going to the university ceremony for my PhD. My husband really pushed it. So glad I did go. A coworker of mine regretted not going to hers.
I was always told I'd regret never going to Prom (or any high school dance, for that matter). Over 27 years later, I have yet to regret it.
I was also told I'd regret not having a wedding ceremony (I eloped). 22 years later, I don't regret it, either.
So I don't know if I'd regret not having gone to any of my graduation ceremonies, but I probably wouldn't. Since I did go, I am glad. It was a cool experience. And I'm not big on large group experiences (in case my "skipping hs dances" and "eloping" didn't make it clear that I don't like that kind of thing).
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