Sunday, January 6, 2013

Graduation

I am supposed to graduate this spring. Like in about five months. It's almost $70 just for the cap and gown, plus however much tickets cost. We had brunch with Josh's parents this morning and when the subject came up it was as if I'd announced being pregnant when all I said was something about not planning to attend graduation. Everyone just stared at me in shock, mouths wide open.

Look, it's not my thing. You can get the physical diploma without spending all that money on the ceremony. Plus if you're doing that, then you're not working, so not only are you spending money but you're also not earning money. I didn't do my high school graduation, and it was fine.

According to Laurie though, skipping college graduation is not fine at all. "We've earned this," she insisted. She was so intense about it. She was almost going to cry. I kicked Danielle under the table, who tossed out something about working it out, and then changed the subject.

What the hell?

8 comments:

Alisha said...

To a lot of parents, graduations are a very big deal. I attended my own college graduation and wanted to, for my own sake, but I discovered that still the whole day was much less for me and much more to gratify the parents, grandparents, etc. And Josh's parents feel parental about you and your sisters. It's not so surprising that they'd want/expect the ceremony.

Kizz said...

I wouldn't have attended mine but I got a lot of support from my parents and grandparents and they wanted it so I did. I went to NYU so I even thought about getting into the cap and gown and then just sidling out because it was a huge thing, it wasn't like they were going to see me. Decided to stick it out. My grandfather had my grandmother hold seats and he stood and watched the procession, found me, and took pictures. My graduation wasn't about me but I'm so glad I went.

Anonymous said...

It's one of those gifts that you can give those who care about you. I get why it's not a big deal to you (I'm of the same thoughts)but why not just give it to them? It might be beneficial in the long run for Dani and Alex to "see" you achieve the goal of college graduation. I can't stand ceremonies of any type probably wouldn't attend my own funeral if I didn't have to.
Kathy

Anonymous said...

Agree with the other posters and think you're not thinking about Josh's parents in this instance. Didn't they help you out a great deal in getting your summer school classes paid for and your job at Arnie's in the first place?

It's also short-sighted of you. If you invite them to graduation, I'm willing to bet you net WAY MORE in gifts than you spend in tickets, gown and lost wages. Not that you enjoy receiving gifts; It's clear that makes you uncomfortable. But if it's about the money, your argument just doesn't hold up. Standard graduation gifts include cash money.

Nina said...

in the end, it's your decision, but I can see it from Laurie's perspective for the same reasons that have already been mentioned. if it doesn't mean so much to you either way other than the money, you could perhaps just consider it a gift you give to Josh's parents to whom it obviously matters a great deal.

Monica said...

That's an excellent way of putting it Nina.

Everyone is right, Laurie treats you like part of the family and she feels like you're part of the family. Celebrating milestones is obviously a big deal for her so doing the ceremony for her would be an excellent gift.

Suzanne said...

Would you want to go to Alex or Dani's graduation?

Anonymous said...

Pretend it's for your Mom, brother (they are more proud of sisters than the parents) and Grandmother as well. It would mean a lot to them to see you graduate if they could. My Dad died when I was nine so it made for an emotional day for me. I was shocked that so many of my family attended and how big a deal it was for them to see me graduate.