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Like a twinkle, the journey of four years or more has finally ended. Depending on the course of study, level of entrance and in some cases, the perennial strikes in our institutions make students spend more years in school than they bargained for.
No matter how long it has taken you to complete your university degree, you must take the time out to celebrate this great achievement with friends and family in style!
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Considering the endless hours of burning the candles, the projects and assignments, the friendship and bond created, the platonic dreams shared, and the priceless camaraderie being over, a period like this could be emotional because some of those with whom you are graduating on this day may never cross paths again.
It is also a joyous moment for family members because one of theirs has come out in flying colours which would open doors to a bright career.
The graduation ceremony is an important rite of passage because it leads you to a new world of adulthood where you are to contribute to the development of your community and become responsible for your actions.
However, some people don’t find the graduation ceremony as exciting due to emotional reasons stemming from poverty and the eagerness to be deployed for the National Youth Service Corp programme so that they can land a juicy job on time.
Advance Preparations
As with any important event, make sure you prepare before
the d-day. Preparations can involve some spending that ranges from booking an academic gown and cap, and purchasing the right dress to food and drinks for personal guests and undergrads who would come to felicitate with you.
Issue out invitations well ahead to your guests, who may be limited by the number of invitations allowed because people will come from different parts to grace the occasion.
You also don’t want to miss your chance to have some professional photos taken for the memories.
Early Arrival
Arrive at the venue on time to avoid being stressed in the queue on your special day. With some Universities, gates may also be shot at the commencement of the ceremony, so early arrival is important.
Bear in mind that thousands of students and their families are going to be travelling from far and wide to attend the graduation ceremony, so parking space close to the venue could be an issue. Let your guests be aware of the need for timeliness. With some Universities, the invitation cards also have the Car park labels on them so they drive straight to the lot assigned.
Make sure you have breakfast before you get to the venue, as the ceremonies tend to be quite long, and you may not get an opportunity to eat again until after it’s over.
Dressing
Ladies should style their hair around the cap, rather than trying to wrestle with it and avoid heavy make-up. Most universities will insist on smart attire or a dress code for graduation
ceremonies, so it’s usually better to be over-dressed than under-dressed.
Consider which shoes you’re going to wear as well – you’ll be walking across the stage in front of a considerable number of people to collect your certificate, so if your shoes are likely to trip you up (or are just plain uncomfortable), you might want to think twice before wearing your high heels.
Most Universities don’t issue the real degree certification graduation day until some weeks after, but you have to contend with a pseudo certificate for the optics. Your certificate is a too precious piece of paper that should not be allowed to rumple in the thick of the ceremony.
Make time for your family
As much as this is your big day, remember also that your family invested a lot of time, emotional potential and money in your education, so this day is a time of joy for everyone.
Make sure you share the day with them as much as you can, rather than spending all of your time with your friends.
Take Lots Photographs
Take a lot of photographs of you and your friends and family members – they’re just proud and want to show it, so be sure to make plenty of memories before you leave. And remember, no one is going to judge you for taking the classic cap-throwing photo!
Connect With Your Buddies
Through these times, you have likely made incredible friendships and established relationships.
Unlike any bonds you’ve experienced, these people have touched your life and have been with you through thick and thin, so take some time during your last days in college to ask them about their plans, where they plan to go and more.
Ensure to stay in touch with classmates, friends and professors who have made a difference in your life.
Remember, that after your graduation, the NYSC beckons, and a new chapter in your journey of life has just begun. Stay focused.
What is your impression about Graduation ceremonies?
