This will be my last year attending college. I have worked to pay my tuition while attending school. Financial aid helped a little, but the cost was mostly on my shoulders. Parents helped by letting me live at home & pay low cost rent. When I graduate this year, I will owe the university zero $. I have one month to decide if I want to submit my paper work to participate in the graduation ceremony. For parents, I know it is a big deal to see their kids walk in cap and gown but I would rather save my money and not pay all the expenses attributed to the ceremony. I would rather take off on a road trip and say bye-bye to college in my own fashion.
My family is supportive of my decision as I am the first and only member of the family to graduate college. I feel that having to get up extra early for the event, deal with parking, have to wait until everyone leaves to get out and then wait yet again at a local resturant to celebrate can all be avoided for more personal & memorable experience.
Yes, I am involved in school activities and have a great GPA. So the question is, is it normal to go against tradition and live by my own will?