As graduation came closer and closer, I made it very clear to my mother that I was NOT having a graduation party. For starters, I hate parties. They are long and stressful and nobody truly likes going to them anyway. I don't care what you say, grad parties are not that great and THAT is the tea.

Going to grad parties isn't any better either. Having to jog from one to the next, bringing little gifts and eating food at each stop, pretending to have a previous engagement so you can quietly slip out without being noticed, it's exhausting. Unless you're one of those cul-de-sac dads whose main life goal is to barbecue every cut of a pig, chances are you're not having fun at grad parties anyway.

So, I challenge you to turn your graduation party into a graduation experience.

I know that sounds silly, but hear me out. Instead of having a grad party, I got to see Hamilton, which in my book outranks cheap social interactions and little snack foods anyway. Just because I didn't have a party didn't mean I didn't get any of those quintessential graduation gifts either, my family still sent money and congratulations from here to Peru, I just didn't have to fake smile and pretend to be having a great time at a party all about me. So instead of entertaining the masses, do something unique to you. Take the money you would spend on your party and use it to do something awesome! Go see Hamilton if you want to, travel somewhere new, whatever it is, just do it.

So even though most of you may have already had your party and the season for celebration is nearly over, maybe set some of that money you got from your aunt aside and do something you've always wanted to do. Go take a trip with your best friend or eat out at a restaurant you've always wanted to try. Whatever it is, take this moment to do something unforgettable. Believe me, you'll enjoy that experience more than you ever enjoyed playing cornhole with your mom's drunk coworkers.

I can honestly say that not having a grad party was the best choice I could have made, and if there's still time for you to avoid the hellhole that is lawn parties, I strongly urge you to do it. Making memories to celebrate is so much more fun than getting sunburnt!