By Jean Burk
High School Graduation is a tremendous milestone. It signifies the finale of a student’s grade-school education and the beginning of the next chapter in life. Although an exciting time, the weeks before that special day can be chaotic as students try and finalize projects, take exams and get everything ready for the celebration. Taking time to get things prepared for graduation will make the day less hectic and allow you to focus on the real stars of the show: the graduates.
- Meet with academic advisor and review transcript: Before graduation day arrives it is important to meet with your academic advisor (or at least the office of records) to ensure that your transcript accurately reflects both your classes and your grades. While it won’t be complete with your final grades for your last semester it will have the last three and a half years recorded. Ensuring your transcript is accurate before you leave school will save you time and energy later if you find out there is a problem.
- Pick up Graduation Attire: Gone are the days of cookie-cutter high schools, and with the assortment of schooling options come with a variety of graduation ceremonies. While many students still participate in typical cap and gown services, other schools host more creative options. Whatever type of ritual your school is organizing, make sure that you have the right attire. If your school is going the traditional route make sure to pick up all the necessary accessories (cap, gown, tassel) before the day of the ceremony. Hang your gown up to release any wrinkles, and make sure you wear shoes that keep you from tripping over the hemline.
- Take Photos: Senior photos have a long-standing history. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of taking separate photos before your graduation, be sure to have a camera at the actual ceremony. Graduation is likely the last time all of your high school friends will be together in one place. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to capture this milestone on camera.
- Finish Final projects: You can’t graduate if you don’t complete your classes. For many students senioritis will kick in during their last few weeks of school. With graduation set it can be tempting to blow-off the last few papers or projects in your classes. At the very least zeros will hurt your class grade and the very worst they can keep you from graduating all together. Graduation is not a right that you have for sticking in school for four years; it is a reward that you earn for completing all your work. You have worked this hard for some many years; stick with it and finish strong.
- Plan a Graduation Celebration: Lastly, be sure to have some type of celebration planned to commemorate this achievement. It doesn’t have to be a big party, but at least have something where your friends and family can pat you on the back and say “good job.” Success should be rewarded, whether that reward is a block party or a family brunch is up to you.
Graduation season is an exciting time. Tensions can run high with so much to get done in such a short time. Don’t let the stress take away from the celebration. Keeping yourself organized is the first step to making the most out of the enjoying the milestone.
