Most students with an upcoming graduation this spring are likely have their eye on the calendar. Whether they are awaiting that Saturday in May with bated breath, or dreading it and its partner, the unknown future, they are aware of its presence. To this almost grad, it's becoming clear that in addition to four years of school, there are many things that must be done in the time leading up to graduation. That being said, it's almost April and there is quiet the list of to-do's to be done! Below, I've broken down a few of the major preparatory activities that should be considered and arranged prior to graduation. Like that common phrase goes: April life maps bring May tasseled caps!
1, Order your cap and gown.
2. Fill out information for your diploma. This really just entails typing your full name, but the online form is so serious about making sure you input it correctly that you may start second-guessing your ability to spell the name you've had for over 21 years.
3. Order announcements. I mean, if you want people to send you money.
4, Figure out cute graduation gift idea for your friends, if you have the type of friends who do that sort of thing. Good luck trying to size up the caliber of gift they have likely already ordered for you so that you don't end up giving them a “cute pen" after they present you with a miniature statue of yourself screen printed with your academic achievements or something.
5. Get tabs on any relatives attending and figure out how you will keep them entertained whilst enjoying your last weekend with all your friends. This may involve booking a dinner reservation for your whole family and then getting confused which day of the weekend you scheduled it for. Or telling everyone you are the 2 o'clock graduation but, surprise, you're the morning ceremony and now everyone already has their hearts set on the complimentary breakfast at the hotel at that time instead. These things happen, I'm sure.
6. Triple check your hours and intent to graduate form to make sure you are, indeed, in the green to walk.
7. Drink a beer.(s)
8. Figure out what to do with all of your stuff if you are moving to a new place. If you are like many TCU students, myself included, the best answer for 65% of your overwhelming amount of material possessions is probably to give it to charity. If you are a semi-impulsive hoarder, me again, you should probably just throw another 25% of that ish away. For the rest, bring on the boxes!
9. Get a job. Like, that's maybe a cool thing to do before you graduate, idk.
10. Go to the commons and sit by yourself to allow a rush of memories, appreciation, and nostalgia steal a little of your time. This one is a “do not pass go" without it option. Even if you skip the job and the relatives, do this one.
11. Watch videos of Jimmy Fallon to remind yourself that adults can be fun and silly too.
12. And oh yeah- remember to actually finish and pass any of the classes you are still enrolled in and needing. Just in case you forgot that part.
Yep, that should just about do the trick. Good luck.
