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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Original poster

How did you feel seeing your DC graduate?

61 replies

Hhkjhhg · 07/04/2025 09:58

I felt an immense sent of pride obviously.

But my DM went to my eldest's master's graduation and was beaming of pride and was emotional seeing the first grandchild to get a master's degree.

OP posts:
PearlStork · 07/04/2025 10:06

Pride for my 1st. Relief for my 2nd (least academic and never thought he'd should have gone to uni). 3rd and final graduates this summer (all going well). It will be mainly elation that the bank of mum and dad can close it doors.

Gardenhaurs · 07/04/2025 10:07

Hhkjhhg · 07/04/2025 09:58

I felt an immense sent of pride obviously.

But my DM went to my eldest's master's graduation and was beaming of pride and was emotional seeing the first grandchild to get a master's degree.

Well she's quite right

BeaAndBen · 07/04/2025 10:08

Absolutely bursting with pride for all they had to overcome - as were all of us, siblings, grandparents, uncle, the lot!

PrettayGood · 07/04/2025 10:09

Really proud. We thoroughly enjoyed both graduation days. Our eldest has a master’s too but he couldn’t be bothered to go to that graduation.

Bigearringsbigsmile · 07/04/2025 10:11

Literally bursting with pride!!!

Couldn't stop smiling

Original poster
Hhkjhhg · 07/04/2025 10:36

I did not tear up however.

OP posts:
Smokesandeats · 07/04/2025 10:46

When my oldest DC graduated, I was quite emotional as their stepmother (who was a wonderful person) had recently died. I know she would have been so excited and proud to have been there. It was a struggle for all of us to hold it together at times, but it was a really lovely day.

MyKingdomForACat · 07/04/2025 10:46

Relieved. Proud.

mumonthehill · 07/04/2025 10:49

I felt very proud but when sat in the hall I also felt a huge sense of relief!!!!

Longma · 07/04/2025 10:50

We didn’t go to DD’s graduation ceremony. She was working abroad for the summer and chose not to go/defer her ceremony. We were more than fine with that.

however, on her receiving a letter to say she had completed her degree and her results we felt immense pride in her achievement.

Gardenhaurs · 07/04/2025 10:51

OP you sound like you disapprove of your DM reaction?

Original poster
Hhkjhhg · 07/04/2025 10:53

Gardenhaurs · 07/04/2025 10:51

OP you sound like you disapprove of your DM reaction?

Not at all. Just wondering if others have had tears of joy over their DC's accomplishments. I've felt immense immense pride and happiness, but I just don't cry tears of joy.

OP posts:
aintnospringchicken · 07/04/2025 10:57

Felt very proud.
.When I saw DS in his robes I actually shed a few tears.

MonkeyTennis34 · 07/04/2025 11:21

DS1 would have graduated in 2020 but…well, you know the rest.
His graduation ceremony was finally organised for 2022 and it was one of the best days of my life.
I found it incredibly emotional and I can remember thinking about him as a small child, reading his beloved non-fiction books.
The dean made a few comments about how difficult this cohort had it re Covid…this made me cry too!

I hope I get to experience this with my other two.

Malbecfan · 07/04/2025 11:55

Proud for both.

DD1's ceremony was in 2021 and we were not able to attend in person. Her college laid on a live-streaming socially distanced which was nice but not quite the real deal so last year when it was upgraded to MA, we attended in person and really enjoyed it. DD2's graduation last year was nice but marred for me by graduates making political statements as they were awarded their degree and some inappropriate behaviour from families and friends screaming and yelling.

DD1 has just submitted her PhD thesis. Assuming it is all accepted etc, I would love to go to that ceremony. DF would cry - he got emotional just hearing that she had submitted, but in his defence, he is 90!

BeMintFatball · 07/04/2025 12:02

DD1 graduation, would not have missed it for the world. Yes felt very proud and a bit teary .

Pigeonqueen · 07/04/2025 12:48

I was immensely proud, dd is the only one from both sides of the family to graduate. I didn’t cry but then I very rarely cry over anything.

I mostly regret trying to catch it on a pic when she walked across the stage as I was trying to get photos for grandparents etc but I felt like I missed out actually “seeing” her do it if that makes sense.

Original poster
Hhkjhhg · 07/04/2025 14:45

Pigeonqueen · 07/04/2025 12:48

I was immensely proud, dd is the only one from both sides of the family to graduate. I didn’t cry but then I very rarely cry over anything.

I mostly regret trying to catch it on a pic when she walked across the stage as I was trying to get photos for grandparents etc but I felt like I missed out actually “seeing” her do it if that makes sense.

I feel some ceremonies are recorded

OP posts:
littlemissprosseco · 07/04/2025 14:56

Hhkjhhg · 07/04/2025 10:53

Not at all. Just wondering if others have had tears of joy over their DC's accomplishments. I've felt immense immense pride and happiness, but I just don't cry tears of joy.

Show quote history

I cried with both of mine!! Two more to go……

RampantIvy · 07/04/2025 16:16

Proud. It was the last graduation of the day. However, immediately afterwards felt like a bit of an anticlimax. The university had laid on a glass of fizz or orange juice and some cakes for the guests and graduates. None of the teaching staff stayed around and most people drifted off quite quickly as it was early evening and people had places to go to, meals booked, journeys home etc.

DD hated her graduation. She hates being the centre of attention and couldn't wait for it to be over. She is currently doing a masters and says she doesn't want to go through another graduation, but she may change her mind when the time comes.

I do, however, have an absolutely beautiful photo of her in her gown, and that is priceless.

Newgirls · 07/04/2025 17:25

I’m a bit nervous as dd loves her course so much and I think will be sad it’s all over. A happy day but one tinged with sadness? I feel I will be trying to keep it cheerful. Any tips on that?

uncomfortablydumb60 · 07/04/2025 17:33

Bursting with pride.
Genuinely one of the happiest days of my life
DS2 integrated masters from Bristol
Glorious sunny day in a beautiful building
DS3 didn’t even want to go to his in Cardiff so I missed out there

CurlewKate · 07/04/2025 17:40

Dd-immense pride. But also exhausted relief because she had made it while simultaneously going through a complicated court case against her violent, abusive ex partner. He was found guilty and imprisoned the week before her finals
started…

Ener · 07/04/2025 17:42

Proud but not very emotional really, they loved their uni days but mainly went to party, I was more proud when they got good jobs tbh

PrettayGood · 07/04/2025 17:47

Ener · 07/04/2025 17:42

Proud but not very emotional really, they loved their uni days but mainly went to party, I was more proud when they got good jobs tbh

That’s how I feel. We were proud, but not burstingly so. Both of ours put in minimal effort, didn’t start their dissertations until the last minute and both got 2:1s. It mattered more to us that they loved the experience of uni, which they really did.

We were very proud however, when they got jobs, because that is tough with a huge amount of competition.

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