What ever happened to “Formal”?
One thing I noticed while attending the graduation ceremony today was the amazing number of people who didn’t seem to think it was a formal occasion. There was mention of that fact in the letter from the school detailing when and where the commencement exercises would be, so I broke down and dug out a pair of dress pants, a nice shirt and a pair of dress shoes I’ve worn exactly one other time in the last three years.
I got to the Hot Springs convention center and saw a few people walking around in blue jeans and t-shirts, some in shorts … I don’t think I’d have been any more alarmed if I had seen people wearing swimsuits!
I don’t know what was going through the minds of the kids who were graduating, but if it was me and my parents had showed up dressed like that I’d have been praying that nobody saw us together.
When my oldest daughter was pinned as an RN, I was dressed in my best suit, heels and all. The walk from the parking lot was enough to have me regretting my decision immediately. Then we had to stand around in the reception area, and by then it was obvious I was in pain. I couldn’t help but notice all the happy people in jeans and flip flops, wishing I was one of them. Two days later, at graduation, I was. I dressed it up a bit with my selection of blouse and jewelry, but jeans and flip flops - yeah! Times have changed, and I am glad! *grin* Plus, dressing down means that everyone can come see their loved one graduate, regardless of their social or financial position - another good thing.
Considering how hard students work to reach graduation, the least their friends and family can do is look nice for the ceremony.
I couldn’t help but notice all the happy people in jeans and flip flops, wishing I was one of them.
Then we had to stand around in the reception area, and by then it was obvious I was in pain. I couldn’t help but notice all the happy people in jeans and flip flops, wishing I was one of them.
(Just browsing blogs and read a few posts on yours… saying “hi!”)
I wish I had a graduation party… no matter how formal. In France where I grew up, we all take a national exam to graduate from high school. A couple of weeks later, you just walk to the exam center with your friends, names of those who passed are on a big board, you congratulate each other and… that’s it. Same goes for university.
This was a few years ago for me and I now live Canada. I envy North Americans kids for having graduation parties! A good way to leave high school in my opinion.