To not get what the big deal is about graduation ceremonies?

[tectonicplates]

For the past few years I've been studying for a part-time degree as an adult student. I'm glad I did well, but I'm not a showy person and I just feel like I'd be poncing around in a silly cloak. A couple of my uni friends are quite taken aback by this, and at least one person seems downright offended by me not being interested in going. What's the point?

I had little interest in my graduation as didn't know many of my peers at the time. I could have missed it, and it wouldn't have made much of a difference to me.

It was an incredibly important day for my parents, who were proud of what I had achieved and saw it as a landmark in my life. They would have been gutted if I didn't want to go, so the day was totally worthwhile, if not just for that reason alone.

YANBU to not want to got, but YABU for judging those who will enjoy spending a day celebrating their achievements with their families and friends!

I went to my daughters and burst into tears when I saw her in her cap'n'gown. It was all just so very special. And I really enjoyed being amongst other patents who felt the same way.

Next year she'll have another graduation for her masters and I'm in awe of her working full time and studying every chance she gets as well as being a newly wed.

I'll be at the graduation next year even though it's a 10 hour flight away for all of us. She absolutely deserves her day.

I didn't go to mine, either, due to illness. I was relieved, tbh. I hate fuss too, and don't really enjoy showy occasions. My parents were disappointed, I think. I've been much prouder of things I've subsequently achieved, such as piano grade passes, or jobs I've got, or career progression.

Tophat90 - I'm not judging people who are going. I just don't want to go myself.

Tecton - do you have anyone you can invite in case you change your mind?

I didn't even bother going to my graduation and I don't regret it.