Hi everyone,
SO....I graduated high school WAY back in '95. I moved out immediately, lived on my own, worked, got married, had three kids, and then decided to head off to college 2 years ago.
I am at a technical college in the area and we are graduating (WOOT WOOT) in a couple of Fridays. I went back and forth with myself as to whether or not I would walk in the ceremony and finally decided that I would so that my children (14, 11, and 5) can see their mom get her AAS, my husband can see that all of the hard work/tears/quizzing me was worth it, and because...well dammit...I'm proud of myself!
So here's the question...I have received a few texts from my friends and family asking if we were going to have a party to celebrate. But, I feel like this is just a two year degree, not as awesome as a 4 year, and don't really know if a party is the "right" thing. I may go back in a year or two for my bachelors, but for now I am working full time (got a job BEFORE I graduated!) and have 3 kids, so it's not in my immediate future. And maybe I wont go on to the bachelors.
So...what do you all think? Is it weird to have a graduation party for an AA? I am not leaning one way or the other, just wondering what you guys think!
Thanks!
YES--Have a party. Life is too short to not celebrate the good times.
Congrats you accomplished a lot!!!!
Congrats! IMO a party is never a bad idea lol! I also earned my Bachelor's degree while being a SAHM, so I know how good that feels. I didn't have a party myself but that's only because I knew I would end end doing all the work, prep, planning, cooking, clean up and paying for all the food and booze so it wasn't really worth it to me. But if you can afford it and have the energy then go for it, why not :-)
I think every college degree is worth celebrating!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!
I did my BS and MBA online and celebrated each degree. I did not walk in either one, because the distance to NH from DC is too great when I have a full-time job and 3 kids, but I kind of wish I had made the trip. I didn't do parties because I didn't want them...I did have nice dinners with my family each time, but that's what I wanted. You definitely celebrate the accomplishment however you want to. I would go to a party for a friend celebrating anything!
From one mom to another who pushed through school while doing everything else, I'm super proud of you!
Congratulations! Yes, celebrate!!
It doesn't have to be an elaborate party. Have a barbecue, or order a hoagie tray, and enjoy a well deserved night to celebrate your accomplishments.
I have a friend whose husband has completed an associates in sustainability and landscape design.... they are having a party. It's not weird to celebrate milestones-- I mean, we celebrate birthdays, right? That's a celebration of staying alive for another year. Graduation? Enjoy the appreciation of your effort!
WHOOHOOO
Celebrate. It's a huge accomplishment and you worked hard. Live it up! you deserve it and your kids will want to see you enjoy the recognition you deserve!!!
It's always appropiate to celebrate. Getting a 2 year associates degree certainly should be celebrated. You worked hard. Your family and friends supported you. It's a celebration for them too.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with celebrating a milestone in your life. You earned something you worked hard for, and you are proud of the accomplishment. Your friends and family have been cheering you on the whole time. Of course, they want to celebrate with you. They're proud of you, too.
There is no "just" about it. You graduated with a degree to show your hard work. You want a party? You have a party.
I was once invited to a cookout party. We were celebrating Tuesday. :-)
Not weird at all!! My opinion is you should definitely celebrate however you want..a party with just family; with friends and family; a dinner out..whatever you choose! Definitely include your kids in watching you walk across that stage and in the celebration. They will be so proud of you and I'm sure it will have an impact on them and their education!
Please don't say "just a 2 year degree", you have every right to be proud of yourself...for your efforts and the job.
Congratulations to you!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Would I have a party for my AA? Probably not. I'd wait for my bachelors degree.
However, it's YOUR hard work and dedication so CELEBRATE!!!!
Congratulations! I would have a party, since people are asking anyway, and for precisely the reason you listed for being in the procession: to set an example for your children. For 18-22 year old graduates, part of the reason for the party has become the collection of gifts (largely cash as they go out in the world dirt poor), but that doesn't mean every party really needs to be about collecting gifts! It's about celebrating an achievement. So go ahead and do whatever you are comfortable with - a BBQ, maybe appetizers & desserts, maybe a pool party or just put the sprinkler out for the kids. It doesn't matter. Just get a cake or some cupcakes with little graduation symbols (cap/gown, diploma), and maybe a few balloons or the paper goods in the school colors, with a champagne/ginger ale toast from your husband. Don't downplay your achievement because it's a 2-year degree! Celebrate that you are showing people that it's never too late to realize your dreams!
YES!! Have the party & let your friends/family celebrate your accomplishment. It doesn't need to be a 4-year degree to make you feel proud. You worked hard for your degree, and it IS a degree. Many successful careers are built on Associate degrees.
Parties can be as lavish or laid-back as you want. Pot-luck side dishes with burger/brat grill out, put out a cooler of beers & pop, & relax. Congrats - you deserve it! T. :)
This is a big deal! You did it! You went back and finished!
CELEBRATE!! CONGRATS!!!
I would wait until I got the Bachelors Degree.
Anything is a good excuse to have a party! Congrats!!!
Congratulations! Have a small get together. Allow people to congratulate you. It is a big deal.
No, it's not weird to have a graduation party. Enjoy yourself!
And congratulations!!
Please don't ever say that your degree is not as awesome as a bachelor's degree! Your achievement (going to college with three young kids) is awesome!
Everyone has different struggles and accomplishments. Some people get multiple advanced degrees, but they are socially isolated, and the very idea of parenthood makes them panic. Some people get a degree quickly, and some people take a long, long time. My daughter required 7 years to get her high school diploma due to her many medical issues and even then, her GPA was about a 1.5, but for her, that was a tremendous accomplishment and testimony to her determination. You'd better believe we celebrated!
So, you work full time, have 3 kids, and got a degree! What's not to celebrate!???!!! And don't tell anyone at the party that it's "only" an associate's degree, or it's not as "awesome" as a bachelor's, or that you "just" got a two year degree. Don't you dare! You hold your head up high and enjoy your day!
Congratulations.
I admire any person who struggles to further educate themselves, particularly adults, particularly parents, working busy individuals....so what I mean to say if you invited me to a party to celebrate your educational milestone I would be glad to honor you in that way (I think you might be worried it would come off as a gift grubber kinda thing?).
At any rate, think what an outstanding role model it is for your kids that you've achieved this.
Congratulations. Have a party. It's a good day.
:)
It doesn't have to be a big party. Just invite some of your closest friends, family, and supporters to grill out one night. If you aren't really into partying or being the center of attention (like me--I did nothing to celebrate my masters degree) just go out for a really nice dinner with your family. And splurge on a really great dessert! You definitely deserve it. Congratulations!
Hi Birds... :-)
CONGRATULATIONS. You should be proud of yourself and you should be celebrated for your efforts and your success. I waited until after I finished my education to have my family. I say that not to attribute any valance to our individual decision making processes. But to point out that I recall how difficult it was for me to accomplish that with hardly any distractions and you did it with three kids, a husband, a household to run, and I'm assuming while holding down job.
If that's not cause for some celebration and congratulations devoted to you for an afternoon and/or evening I don't know what is. I would emphasize that this is not a gift giving event but a celebration of your accomplishment and extension of gratitude to everyone who helped you achieve this goal.
Education is NEVER wasted so when the time is right...go for that Bachelors, perhaps even that MS too........... You're clearly more than capable of reaching your goals.
I raise my glass to you!!! I'm at work so it's water but it's still raised.. :-)!! S.
Have dinner with your friends. Make it a huge potluck where everyone that comes brings something they love and want to share. Then just have some fun.
I had a small party for high school graduation but never bothered for college graduation (4 yr BS degree).
Instead I went out for a nice dinner with my Mom and went camping with my then boyfriend (now husband) and family for a month.
It was the perfect celebration for me!
When our Mom got her Masters we celebrated by taking our first vacation driving to Florida - we were at Disney World the first summer it opened.
