Graduation ceremonies just aren't my cup of tea. My own high school graduation was hot, sweaty, and long. I've attended many ceremonies of loved ones who I was exceedingly proud of, but not once did I actually enjoy the ceremony itself. Being in the ceremony is not much different than spectating it, the only real difference is the clothes you're wearing and the brief moment you're on stage shaking hands with some people you probably rarely interacted with. Not to mention the assortment of expenses it costs to go through this uninspired experience. I never thought I would walk at my own graduation, but my girlfriend and my parents incessantly insisted until I eventually caved in.

At the end of this semester, I'll be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English. It took a little longer than I thought it would, and there were plenty of times where I thought it might not be worth it, but I pushed myself through it. However, this degree does not guarantee me a good-paying job or any kind of job for that matter, so I do not feel like I should be celebrated for obtaining it. Once I get a job in my field, and I have my degree in part to thank for it, then I'll feel accomplished. My girlfriend understands that, but sees my perseverance as something to be celebrated in itself. She has seen me at my worst throughout this journey and feels that even if only for a few hours, I deserve to celebrate for going through with school despite everything. I'd rather shake off my struggles and stay focused until we're in a cozier financial situation, but she wasn't having that, so I will try to apply her logic to my graduation ceremony and enjoy myself for a few hours.

My parents never understood how I could do 4 years of college and not care to walk at graduation, so trying to tell them that not walking was okay was a lost cause. They pushed for it every time it came up, refusing to accept any reason I brought up as reason enough to miss graduation. I did not care to walk, so I was going to ignore their contention and refuse regardless. However, the more I thought about it, I'd realize all the sacrifices my parents made for me as a child, and how throughout my childhood my parents stressed the importance of continuing my education after high school. I'll be the first of their children to graduate college, and even though the degree does not come with a career, my parents are just as proud of me as if it did. To see me walk at graduation as a college graduate will probably mean more to them than it ever could for me, and giving them that sense of validation is the least I can do for all they've done for me.