If I don’t get them, will I regret it in the long run? They cost so much money and I just see it as bragging about how many clubs/societies you were in. At this point I don’t even want to walk, I just want to go to college. Will I regret that too???
I have no idea on the chords; our school doesn’t use them.
As far as graduation goes, here’s what I tell my seniors:
Graduation is, contrary to popular belief,NOT about you. It’s your parents’ one tiny little payback for endless nights of helping you cram for tests, putting up with you went you got stressed, driving a car full of your friends all over the place, and generally dealing with you as a high school student. It’s their one moment to see you up on that stage, receiving your diploma, and knowing that you’re on the threshold into adulthood.
Whether or not you’ll regret missing it, I can’t say. But I’m guessing your parents will.
Our school is highly decorated with club sashes and chords on graduation day. When I was a freshman and soph, I didn’t join ANYTHING and was basically full of myself to thinking that doing outside activities were useless. I REGRET 100% to even thinking that. Now, as a senior, I know that I’m going to get a chord for doing great on academics and maybe a sash for a club, and an honors sash. I’m not sure. But to answer your question, just think sashes and chords are just an extra decor to your graduation look. The important thing is letting your parents see you walk on that stage, shaking hands with the high official, and walking out with your diploma.
I would talk to your parents. Definitely go to graduation.
How much impact would the $ for the cords be on the family budget?
Is it possible to get a “scholarship” for them?
Can you pick the most important to you and get that one? So maybe there is one for high grades but also spanish honor society. You could get the high grades cord but be happy with the notation in the program indicating that you are in spanish honor society.
Weird that you have to pay for them, there aren’t many ways to get a cord at our school (3.6+ GPA, Youth In Government, German Honor Society; also NHS gets a burgundy stole instead of a white one) but they’re usually covered by club dues/graduation fees. I would definitely go to graduation though, grandparents and parents eat that stuff up. I also agree with maybe buying the ones that are most important to you. Definitely understand just wanting to get senior year over with and move on to college…
The cost of cords can add up and I am sure everyone can empathize with just wanting it all to be done with!
Our school gives the “latin honors” cords for free, all club/honor society cords are part tired of club dues. Please ask your advisors/GC if there is a chance that the school is able to cover the cost.
As for not walking…talk it over with your family and friends and teachers, you may not ever regret it, but others may wish they had the opportunity to see you mark the milestone. Believe it or not sometimes your teachers are excited to see you graduate too!
They do look impressive in social media photos.
You might not regret the cords, but you will regret not walking.