With just two weeks remaining until the end of the semester, it can be easy for graduating seniors to forget to enjoy celebrating some beloved traditions that lead up to graduation.
California State University, Stanislaus students who will be walking soon can lighten the stress of finals by taking a few moments to enjoy such a memorable accomplishment in several ways.
First and foremost, it is a long-time tradition to gather friends and decorate graduation caps so that audience members can find their graduate amongst the others.
Lydia Martino, a 2012 CSU Stanislaus graduate, said decorating caps made for a great memory she will not forget.
“One of my friends had a party,” Martino said. “We each brought a different craft supply. She had food and drinks for us and we played music while decorating our caps and talking about our time spent at Stan State!”
Crafty tools often used in the past to decorate caps include puff paints, fabric, paper and glue-on jewels to create personality and help grads stand out. Grads have also included smiley faces, names, family crests and even slogans like “Hey mom, I did it!” on their caps.
Another tradition upheld at graduation is the act of giving someone a Stole of Gratitude. A Stole of Gratitude is a red sash that is worn by the grad during the ceremony. Afterwards, the student gives the Stole to someone they want to recognize as a major help throughout their schooling.
This often includes parents, relatives or mentors who have given them any kind of significant support, whether it is emotional or financial, while they’ve been getting their education. Stoles of Gratitude are still available for purchase at the campus bookstore.
Senior Psychology major, Karissa Jones,  plans to give a Stole of Gratitude to someone who has made a large impact on her life.
“If my old counselor from Modesto Junior College attends, I will give it to her because she’s the reason I got into CSU Stanislaus in the first place and has been there for me every step of the way.”
The last tradition is one that is not particularly popular at CSU Stanislaus, but worth mentioning. While still in the heat of finals, it can be easy to forget to take the time to recognize the professors who have been significant in students’ college careers. It is important to remember to thank those who made such an impact and went above and beyond for their students.
Martino said her group of friends would get together every Wednesday to hang out during senior year.
“On our last Wednesday of the semester, we spent it going around to all our teachers, thanking them for all they did for us.”
Graduating seniors can be sure to have a far more memorable final semester by participating in these traditions and taking a little time to enjoy completing an education milestone.