Graduating with style does not just mean not making an ass out of yourself. Put your best foot forward as you head into your future.
Step 1: Stand and sit up straight
Stand and sit up straight. Your parents are no doubt taping the entire event, so refrain from doing the slouch and shuffle—unless you want your sulky, pre-evolutionary amble to be captured for posterity.
Tip
Don’t get wasted the night before. You’ll feel awful and your pictures will look like crap.
Step 2: Wear something nice
Wear something under your robe that’s tasteful and not too hot—something that won’t embarrass you or others when your robe inevitably comes off.
Step 3: Look your best
Look your best. Get a haircut, if you need one, and, girls, consider a mani-pedi. You want to look sophisticated and confident as you enter the world.
Tip
Slap on some sunscreen. A sunburned face is not stylish.
Step 4: Don’t be disrespectful
If you’re planning on being hilarious by disrupting the valedictorian’s speech with ‘woos’ and ‘booyahs’… don’t.
Step 5: Smile
When collecting your diploma, make eye contact with the person handing it to you. Give a good handshake—and remember to smile!
Step 6: Thank those who got you there
Thank the people responsible for you making it to graduation day. You know who they are.
Tip
If there is a faculty member who went above and beyond for you, or whose class you particularly enjoyed, take the time to say so.
Step 7: Send thank you cards
Send handwritten thank-you notes to everyone who remembered your graduation. Email doesn’t cut it when it comes to expressing gratitude.
Did You Know?
About 70% of U.S. high school students graduate on time.