I am graduating with my Master's Degree this month. Should I walk through the ceremony?

Question

I went back to school to get my degree. My wife wants me to, and she wants my little kids to see me do it, but I worry that it's an expensive trip to make just to wak across a stage. Do I do what they wish, or should I be selfish and ask to be taken out for dinner near home instead? What would/ have you done? Will I regret not doing it?

Answer 1

Choosing not to walk is not a selfish option. If it is an expensive trip, you're saving your family money. I am just guessing here, but generally going to graduate school is expensive. To me it seems silly to spend the extra money to walk when they don't even give you the diploma that day. You could try explaining how you feel to your wife. She might understand if you use a rational argument.

Answer 2

Heh Heh Heh. I just kind of went through this. I am 28 years old and it took me 10 years to get my A.A. yes, pathetic, I know. AND I still have 9 hours this summer, Nevertheless, I choose to Walk May 4th in the Graduation ceremony even though I somewhat felt ashamed and a little like a fake since I have the 9 hours to take. I almost didn't go at the last minute. But seeing the look on my familys faces and completing that short walk across the stage gave me more pride and joy in myself and my achievements than i thought would be possible. YES! I think you should. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and it being important to your family is reason enough, after all they HAVE supported you and stood by while you struggled to achieve what you have. But more importantly I think you might regret it later on in life if you don't. If nothing else look at it as a wonderful photo-op to showoff your family and all you have achieved together.

Answer 3

Wow!! Awesome!! I think it would be totally wonderful for your family to see you walk across the stage to receive your degree. What an honor and example!! You did it!! Woo-hoo!

Personally, you invested all this time in your studies for a job well done...you should count this opportunity to walk through the ceremony as part of this investment!

And yes...I really do think you would regret later not having done that. I also went back to school and it was such an honor walking the ceremony! If for no one else, do this for you and your family!

Congrats!!

Answer 4

When you go to school while married with children, the whole family has made a sacrifice for your degree. You did all of the classwork and earned the degree, but your wife picked up the slack for you at home, and the kids missed you and had to accept that you were not there as much as they wanted because you were doing something important for you and for the whole family.

Now they need to see that all of your hard work and their sacrifice is something worth celebrating. If they can see you walk at graduation, they will see that people who do that hard work and make sacrifices are honored for that, and they will feel that they were a part of your success.

I encourage you to allow them to be a part of your success. And yes, you will regret it if you don't.

Answer 5

Do you plan to go on for a more advanced degree? If yes, then don't bother - walk for that one instead.

Do you plan to stop here but work in academia? Yes, because you'll need the robes.

Otherwise, it's likely to be a long hot ceremony of thousands of undergrad names being listed and you probably don't know anyone there. Which is why I'm not walking for my masters tomorrow.

Answer 6

first of all, CONGRADULATIONS ON GETTTING YOUR MASTER'S DEGREE!!
I' m kind of confused. Is the town where you got your Master's far from where you live? If so, how far is it? I vote that if you can possibly afford this - to go for it!!! You only have one chance to walk across that stage.
You don't say how old your children are - but I think that they would be really proud of you for what you have accomplished!!
I myself started back to college after a long absence and my husband keeps telling me that he will be so proud of me when I walk across that stage.
Remember - your family has made alot of sacrafices so that you could get to where you are. Don't keep them from enjoying this special event.
Hopefully this will give you some food for thought. once again - way to go!!!

Answer 7

If I had worked that hard for a degree, you bet I would be walking across that stage! However, if it's not a big deal to you, talk to your wife about it...explain that you don't think that it's a big deal and you would rather just go celebrate as a family.

Answer 8

I walked for my BS, but I didn't bother for my MS. If you have an inkling that you will regret not walking, then you should walk. Otherwise, it shouldn't matter. And, I don't think it is selfish of you not to want to walk or make the trip.

Depending on how old your kids are, they may not remember this trip or attach much significance to it.

Answer 9

You should definitely walk. Think about this one....you are going to be a GREAT role model to your children! They will see their father, whom they LOVE, walking across the stage, and getting rewarded for hard work. You are teaching them to value education and to work through difficult times....and that working hard pays off. Your children will ALWAYS remember this and strive to be like their father. Congratulations!

Answer 10

I would do it. You are graduating from college, this is something some people only dream of. Hold your head high and proudly walk that line because you will not have that chance again. If you don't, yes, I think you will regret it.