’Tis the season for college students to graduate, and while this is a time for growth, achievement, and moving on, much chaos is presented. Moving out of the dorms in addition to saying one’s goodbyes to friends proves to be a challenge in spite of the ongoing excitement. Some thoughts that enter the minds of college students sitting at graduation are...

1. How long is this speech going on for?

2. None of what is being said is true about my personal experience at this university.

3. I wonder how long it’ll take me to find my family after the ceremony in this crowded arena.

4. Why is walking in the arena so awkward?

5. Ah, my feet are killing me!

6. I want to take pictures with my friends following the ceremony, but finding them in this crowd will be too difficult.

7. Shit, I’m entering the real world.

8. Is it too late to be held back?

9. Did I make a mistake in regards to my future plans?

10. Will I see half these people again?

11. Wow, I feel bad for the professors and administrate officials who have to look excited at this boring ceremony for three hours while sitting on the stage.

12. I wonder how many people are at this ceremony.

13. Wow, is wearing a cap and gown and sitting in a crowded, hot arena what being an adult feels like?

14. Will we ever have alumni events post-graduation?

15. I hope that the clubs I am in still flourish after I graduate.

16. I can’t wait to eat after this is all over!

17. Are you sure that I was actually in college for four years and not just four seconds?

18. Well, this ceremony is super boring. I guess I better reflect.

19. I am proud of how I have developed within these years.

20. Are these really the best four years of my life, or is there more excitement to come?

21. I can’t wait for my last long summer!

22. Damn, I’m really feeling the growing pains part of growing up.

23. I hope that this isn’t a “goodbye,” but rather a “see you later!”

Moving on to one’s next chapter comes with uncertainty and mixed emotions, and one’s college graduation ceremony is a celebratory way to start this new journey. In spite of the boredom and stress that comes with graduation day, this milestone is monumental and an occasion in which all students should take great pride.