We attend a homeschool co-op and some of my children’s friends graduated this year. Besides, we wanted to go see what the ceremony is like, to know for next year. My son will be graduating in May 2026 and it is becoming increasingly real. So we attended graduation. Here are three lessons from it, so you know what to expect, if you are anything like me.

2025 BHEA Graduation Venue

Lessons from Attending Graduation

1. You will cry no matter who is marching during Pomp and Circumstance. I cried because of pomp and because of circumstance. It did not have to be my kid in a cap and gown. It is an emotional experience.
2. There will be a light Swedish buffet provided afterwards, but I personally had no appetite. Besides, as the mother of a Junior this year, I was asked to help prepare the meal and had declined due to distance and schedule. How was I going to step up to the line and fill up my plate when I had politely refused to help prepare the food? If they had asked me six months prior, I would have maybe made the trip (1 hour one way). But with an international trip looming the following week, they sent me an email two days before graduation. One of the big lessons I have learned the hard way over the years is to say no. Do yourself a favor and learn to say no as well – and don’t feel guilty about it.
3. Life is short. Graduations are big life events and one becomes more philosophical on such occasions. If you can keep this perspective, that life is short, especially on those days when homeschooling seems like a chore, you will do yourself a favor. On those days when homeschooling feels like this tunnel you will NEVER get out of, remember this: graduation day is coming faster than you think. Make the most of every minute. If you need a break, take one. You have that freedom.

I filmed a little bit of the Pomp and Circumstance march just for my own memory. Here it is, in case you want to get in that spirit.

And there you have it, the three things I learned from attending other people’s graduation. The countdown is on for my first child to graduate next May. Don’t worry, I will share the journey with you as it happens.

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