Graduation

[willow2]

Hi everyone,


I am graduating tomorrow. I'm feeling really quite anxious about it. I know I will be in a big hall FULL of students and parents and we will have to sit through a ceremony for about 2 hours. I knowI will be trapped inside a row - I can't do anything about that because we have to sit alphabetically. I just can't help thinking 'what if I v*' during the service. I am also worried about panicing as well, it is enough to make me stand up and run!!


I guess I'm just looking for a little reassurance. I haven't eaten all day today as I am worried anything I eat might be contaminated with a sv. AHHH!!!

[willow2]

now i'm starting to feel a bit shaky.


i've been really tired all day as well. i'm worried i'm coming down with something.

[tayda]

CONGRATULATIONS ON GRADUATION!It is SOOO exciting! Meet up with your friends, and I doubt that you will really be thinking about emet or panicing. I think you'll be more nervious about tripping or something on your way up. (LOL), I know I was.


Tomorrow is such a big day for you; I hope that you enjoy it! I suppose you could always bring an ativan or xanax or something with you... just in case... however, maybe look up the basic principles of meditation and try to focus and relax in the event that anything does happen... BUT IT WON'T... b/c you'll be sooo stoked about your accomplishment tomorrow...I'm sure a million other things will clutter your brain.


Have fun... sorry this was so long

[willow2]

thanks tayda!! i know you are right and that I should be celebrating. the strange thing is I am looking forward to the meal afterwards which isn't like me!! I just now I'll panic in the middle of a row of people!!! it sucks that emet can runi such great days!!


i'll try and relax, i use deep breathing and relaxing techniques quite a lot. i also have diazepam but don't really want to take it, but i have it in case.

[rubysoho120]

You so for sure eat something before the graduation because having to sit there shaky would suck, so eat something light and safe, and try and relax. Congrats, you did it!

[suze]

Hi Willow, congrats on the graduation! I understand completely how you feel, I am a Uni lecturer and sit through graduation every year! Anyway, having observed loads of these ceremonies, hopefully I can put your mind at rest regarding procedure. Yes, you will probably be sitting alphabetically, and may end up in the middle of a row, but just like in a cinema, if you need to get out you can! And will all eyes be on you if you do? Definitely not, there will be so many people there, and the ceremony is so busy, that no-one will notice if you do need to get up and go out. Believe me, people get up all the time in these things, when one lot of students are crossing the stage, another are sitting back down and another lot are getting up ready to cross that stage. It's all go! Even if you have to get out before your turn comes, if you're feeling up to it, hang about near the back until you see your row get up, then just go and join them, it'll take all of 30 secs for your row to get across that stage - it happens that quickly. Then, as your row are about to be re-seated, just make your exit. People might notice, but it'll mean nothing, most are there to watch out for their family member and they pay no attention whatsoever to anyone else!


And you know what, even if you don't make it across that stage, you've still achieved your degree, loads don't attend the ceremony. In the big scheme of things, the graduation is just closure, it does not take away from everything you have achieved. Hope your family understand that.


Just have an early, light snack so your stomach's feeling comfortable. Expect to feel a bit on edge, but believe there's a way out. Arrive early, suss out the venue, familiarise yourself with your surroundings. Have gum, or a mint. If you can suck and chew, you'll know your feelings are just nerves. Enjoy the day - you will be fine, and wherever you are in that hall, remember YOU are in control.


Good luck, let us know how it goes!

[willow2]

Hi Suze,


Thanku so much for your encouraging post!! I don't know how you cope doing that every year! It turned out not to be my worst nightmare!! I did feel quite anxious during the service and I was sitting in the middle of a row but I just kept telling my self I was ok. The actual service only lasted around as hour so it wasn't actually all that long.


Afterwards we went out for lunch (myself, mum and dad and my boyfriend). I had such a nice lunch!! We were in a lovely restaurant where I could see the kitchen quite easily and it looked clean. I actually sat at the table relaxed and was not constantly thinking about v* as I usually do!! I really enjoyed the lunch which makes me happy!! I am happy I graduated too!!


Yeah!! And thanks again.


K xx

[suze]

Well done Willow, what an achievement - you should see this as a real battle won - you got through the ceremony and the day - enjoyed it too - fantastic!


How do I get through them every year? God only knows! I have to sit on the the stage too, facing the whole audience. I guess I just think that if I gotta go, I gotta go! To be honest though, if I was in the wrong frame of mind before it all kicked off, I'd probably back out.


Anyway, glad you enjoyed the day...well done!

[babygap5]

Congrats Willow!!!