How to Sit Through a Graduation Ceremony

Graduation ceremonies recognizing the completion of coursework have been around since the thirteenth century. In 1432, each graduate of Oxford University delivered a speech in Latin as part of the graduation ceremony. Imagine having to sit through a graduation ceremony where each graduate gives a speech. With a little preparation, you can make the time go by quickly as you sit through a graduation ceremony.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cell phone
• Pen
• Portable game system
• Ipod

1. Arrive at the graduation ceremony early enough to get a good seat.
2. Scan through the list of graduates to find the name of your friend or family member, and circle the name. Look to see whether your graduate is at the beginning, middle or end of the pack. If you know other people graduating, you may want to place a mark by their names as well.
3. Stand up when the graduates enter the room as a sign of respect for your friend or family member and all of the other graduates.
4. Listen to the speeches given by the students, and reflect on how things have or haven't changed since you were in school. Think about the year the graduate had, and listen for any highlights of the school year.
5. Pay close attention to the speech given by the guest speaker. Many times, the guest speaker will have good messages everyone in the crowd needs to hear.
6. Use your pen to scratch off each name as it is called out during the graduation ceremony.
7. Kill some time during the announcement of the graduates by using a hand-held game system, MP3 player or portable DVD player. Make sure you use headphones, and keep the volume down to avoid disturbing other people.
8. Play games on your cell phone or chat with a friend through text messages to help pass the time.
9. Stop what you are doing when the announcer gets within about 20 names of your graduate.
10. Watch your graduate cross the stage with diploma in hand.
11. Go back to passing the time until the announcer gets to the last few names. Put away everything you used to pass the time.
12. Cheer with everyone else in the crowd when the last graduate crosses the stage.

Tips & Warnings

• Whatever you do, don't get so caught up in passing the time you miss your graduate walking across the stage. Keep an eye on the progress being made as graduates take the stage to avoid missing the person you're supporting.