by Mark Westphal
Graduation season is here, and many CI students are ready and waiting to move to the next stage in their lives. However, not many are ready for the ordeal that is the commencement ceremony, and could use some tips to help be a little more prepared for the ceremony itself. I talked to some of my fellow alumni friends for these nuggets of advice.
- WEAR SUNBLOCK
This is an especially important one for those who attend the morning part of commencement, since the sun only gets more intense as the ceremony drags on. Also, sitting still in the South Quad with the sun beating down on you would probably warrant it.
- GET THERE EARLY
This is mostly just to get a good parking spot. Same applies to any family members that want to come too; CI’s parking has been a running joke for a while now and everyone’s best bet is always to get there early.
- DON’T WEAR YOUR NICE CLOTHES FOR GRADUATION DINNER UNDER YOUR GRADUATION GOWN
This one’s my personal tip, since the graduation gowns are black, making them absorb the most from the sunlight and leaving the wearer feeling very warm and sweaty very quickly. Since I’m sure you’ll want to look fresh during that fancy dinner that your family might want to take you out to afterwards, don’t wear your nice clothes under your graduation gown.
- HAVE SOME WATER HANDY
Again, this sort of goes with the whole theme of battling the heat. While it may not exactly be practical to keep a water bottle on your person at all times during the ceremony itself, it would be practical, if not imperative, to drink up before the ceremony starts.
While these tips are rather rudimentary, they’re still very handy to remember. Have fun at commencement, fellow Dolphins!
