4 Reasons Not To Cry During Graduation Season

Graduation is quite possibly the most bittersweet time during the year. Graduate school awaits some; job opportunities await others, but no matter the plans afterward, graduation is a time to reflect and just live in the moment one last time. Tears will grace the eyes of parents and friends alike. But graduation should also be a time of celebration! You have done something that is very special, fulfilling and celebration-worthy. So here are my four reasons not to cry during any graduation you may attend this season.

1. YOU DID IT!

You graduated from school and are now on to bigger and better things. Graduating is never a guarantee and takes a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. The all-nighters studying your butt off for your big midterm exam or finishing that 25 page dissertation for your internship, are all equaling up to this life-changing moment. You realize that the grind has finally paid off when you cross that stage.

2. FAMILY

Whether your relatives live 30 minutes away or 3000 miles away, they will more than likely make their way to your graduation. There’s no greater feeling or sense of accomplishment for parents than watching their baby boy or girl throw their cap in celebration of finishing school. No matter what your degree is in, YOU HAVE ONE, and that is something to be extremely proud of. Just be ready to strike a pose for the thousands upon thousands of pictures in your gown with your diploma!

3. PARTIES

Two things rarely go hand-in-hand like graduation and graduation parties. If there is a commencement, you can almost guarantee that there are at least 15 after parties within a 10-mile radius. Which means great food, pretty dresses, and even your grandparents busting a move on the dance floor (and you’re not even embarrassed because your grandma’s moonwalk would put Michael himself to shame).

4. BE HAPPY

When Dr. Seuss said, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened,” it has never been more relevant in your life than right now. Graduation unfortunately means saying goodbye to some friends that you’ve grown very, VERY attached to. It’s hard to go from late night Chipotle runs, pulling those previously mentioned all-nighters together, and just doing life in general together. As sad as it will be when you hug your roommate/best friends of four years goodbye in your cap and gowns, you have made memories together that will last a lifetime, and she is never more than a phone call or text away when you need her!

Despite everyone going in different directions, the bond you make with your school friends is forever. You have added people to your life that will always have your back no matter what, and that is most definitely nothing to cry about. So throw that cap high and proud, graduates. You’ve made it!