How to Deal If Your School Is Having an Online Graduation
Graduation season is coming up quickly, but this year, ceremonies around the country (and across the globe) will likely look very different than they have in years past.
Given the ongoing coronavirus crisis, many high schools and universities have switched to virtual graduation ceremonies held online in an effort to curb the spread of the illness and keep people safe.
There's no denying that online ceremonies are less than ideal, so scroll down for tips on how to deal with this new normal.
Give Yourself Some Time to Be Bummed
Graduation is a major milestone, and likely one that you didn't envision happening online. Though there's obviously a lot going on in the world right now, it's OK for you to be sad about the fact that something you've looked forward to for months or even years is going to look very different from how you anticipated it would. Allow yourself to mourn the loss of the traditional graduation ceremony you wanted and take the time you need to come to terms with whatever might be in its place.
(via Unsplash)
Be Open About How You're Feeling
Part of coming to terms with a modified graduation ceremony involves talking and being honest with those around you. If you're feeling sad, angry or frustrated, open up to someone you trust (like a parent, sibling or good friend) and let them know what's going on. Even if they can't help you fix the problem, at the very least they can listen and offer some helpful tips and perspective.
Get Dressed Up
Just because your graduation is online, doesn't mean you can't dress up for the occasion, much like you would have done under more normal circumstances. Throw on a dress, suit or whatever makes you feel comfortable and treat your graduation like an occasion that deserves to be recognized and celebrated, because it does. There's plenty that you can't control right now, and that's aggravating in its own right, but that's why it's even more important for you to take charge of what is in your control, such as what you wear to mark this special day. Plus, if you are able to, it might feel good to treat yourself to a celebratory outfit or accessory. Additionally, there are plenty of DIY graduation cap videos that will at least help you look the part.
(via Unsplash)
Celebrate in Your Own Way
Just as you can pick what you wear to your virtual graduation ceremony, you can also choose how you celebrate. While a big party is likely out of the question at the moment, there's no reason you can't have fun with family members and whoever else you might be quarantined with. Bake a cake, order some decorations online and mark the day in a way that makes you feel happy and safe. If you feel comfortable, you could even try having a socially distanced celebration with people in your neighborhood.
Do Something Special With Your Friends
Part of what's so special about graduation day is that it's sometimes one of the last days you get to spend with your friends before you each move onto the next phase of your lives. Obviously, with a virtual graduation, you're missing out on that time together. However, that doesn't mean you can't celebrate with one another using FaceTime, Zoom or a similar platform. It's certainly not the same, but it's a start. You could even use some of the time to plan what you might do with your pals when it's finally safe for all of you to be together.
(via Unsplash)
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