You know that moment when you finally get to slip on that graduation gown, and you think, “This is it. I did it!” But also, a small part of you is internally screaming, “Wait, is this real?”
Graduation day is a surreal experience when you’re a parent, spouse, and employee. On one hand, you’re basking in the glow of achieving a long-term goal. On the other hand, you're secretly thinking, “Do I still remember how to adult? I feel like a walking zombie in a cap and gown.”
Let’s talk reality:
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The Ceremony: You’ve been dreaming of this day for years. You’ve imagined the applause, the proud photos, and the sense of accomplishment. But when the ceremony rolls around, your mind is still thinking about your toddler’s nap schedule, work emails, and the laundry mountain waiting at home. Your head is spinning with the task of actually getting to the event on time. Oh, and don't forget the hundreds of thousands of people you will inevitably bump into who want to say hello and catch up. Of course, your brain is too fried from finals to keep track of any of that.
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The Pictures: A sweet friend or family member takes photos of you in your robe, and you realize—holy cow, you’re a real-life graduate! But also… why do you look like you haven’t slept in weeks? In the photos, you're smiling, but it’s a smile that says, “I’ve got this! Wait, do I?” You may have walked across the stage, but you’re doing it on fumes. The truth is, graduation is far less about looking perfect and more about looking like you survived the chaos. And that, my friend, is worthy of a standing ovation.
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The Emotional Rollercoaster: There’s a mix of joy, relief, and, let’s be honest, a little bit of “What now?” graduation anxiety. It’s an odd mixture of “I DID IT!” and “Oh no, the next chapter starts NOW!” The imposter syndrome kicks in. You’ll look at your diploma and think, “Wait, do I even know enough to do this?” The nerves bubble up, but remember—this is normal. You’ve just conquered the most insane academic journey of your life, and you deserve to be proud.
But through it all, one thing is certain: You. Did. It. It may not have been a perfectly executed, picture-perfect journey, but you reached the finish line—and that deserves a massive round of applause.
Pro tip for parents on graduation day: Pack snacks, bring some sort of drink that isn’t coffee (even though coffee is your life source), and remind your spouse that there’s a child to corral. You’ll make it. Just don’t forget to take a breath, stand tall, and appreciate the victory you’ve earned.
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