Graduate Refuses to Attend Own Ceremony Unless Parents Foot $400 Gown Bill, Sparks Family Outrage

"I don’t see why I should spend almost half a grand on something I don’t care about."

Sophia

• Published in Interesting
• February 22, 2024

Graduating college is often heralded as a significant milestone, symbolizing the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and the crossing of a threshold into adulthood and professional life. For many, the graduation ceremony is a sacred rite of passage, not just for the graduates but also for their families, who swell with pride at the sight of their loved one walking the stage.

It represents a tangible acknowledgment of achievement, a moment of shared joy and celebration that is cherished for years to come. Parents, in particular, may feel that witnessing this event is a reward for the support and sacrifices made throughout their child's educational journey.

However, not everyone shares this enthusiasm for the ceremonial aspect of graduation. Some individuals, like OP in this Reddit story, view the event as an unnecessary formality, lacking in personal significance and marred by discomforts such as long waits and extreme weather conditions.

For them, the achievement of graduation lies not in the public acknowledgment but in the personal satisfaction of having completed their studies. The dissonance between these perspectives can lead to tension, as seen in the narrative, where the graduate's refusal to participate in the ceremony, unless their parents cover the cost of regalia, leads to familial strife.

Just take a look...

OP has an upcoming graduation for B.A. in Biology and Public Health. OP had a gap year but then went to medical school.

They say they don't see the appeal of waiting hours to walk across a stage for a bit.

They skipped HS/Dual enrollment graduation due to COVID, and won't attend this one either. OP's proud, but the brief stage walk is not worth it.

However, their parents want to see them walk the stage...

OP told their mother the price of a gown and cap, and says they won't pay for it. The mother got upset, as well as their father.

OP's parents are not poor; they're middle class, so affording it isn't an issue.

Scroll down to see what people had to say...

Parents forgot the "Parenting 101: Grace and Understanding" manual.

Skipped all but one grad ceremony. Dad's got a single pic—apparently, it's not a hot topic.

Skipped most ceremonies, went to one for hubby and MIL. Rented regalia—better suited for Halloween!

$400 for grad gear? That's steep for a recent grad.

Hard pass. Rather spend it on a nice meal or two.

After dropping $60k, they're pushing it...

Offer: They pay, she walks. If they flip, she dips.

If they want it and she doesn't, she can simply say she can't afford it, and they'll celebrate at home.

If they want it, they pay.

Lots do the same. NTA.

Never understood paying so much for performances one doesn't care about.

Mom upset about deprivation, yet wants $400 sacrifice? In this economy?

Graduations cost a pretty penny!

Would've paid $400 to watch nephew, but it wasn't his jam. Traveled 2000 miles, ugly cried—bucket list moment!

If they want it, they foot the bill or get over it.

NTA. Made the same deal, she forked over happily. Not $400, but it's been 20 years! Still absurdly pricey.

Don't pay, OP!

In the grand theater of life, graduation is but one act, and not everyone yearns for a spotlight walk. While some relish the pomp, others find the script overpriced.

Perhaps the true lesson here is that the value of a moment isn't in the applause it receives but in the satisfaction it brings.

Comment down your thoughts, or share this article for all your family and friends to see!

Sophia