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Graduation is a significant milestone, and your cap and gowns are symbols of all your hard work. The gown may be easy to zip up, but that mortarboard (aka grad cap), can be a bit intimidating. Whether you’re celebrating indoors or outdoors, here are some essential tips for wearing your graduation cap and what to do with it once the ceremony is over.
Getting Your Cap Ready
- Weather Considerations: Most graduation caps are designed to be worn in a variety of weather conditions, so whether you’re graduating in the sun or a light drizzle, your cap should hold up nicely.
- Unpacking: Before you wear your cap, be sure to remove it from its packaging and allow it to air out. This helps it decompress and regain its shape.
- Orientation: When putting on your cap, remember that the pointed side should face the back of your head, while the rounded side sits in front.
- Correct Placement: Position your cap so that it sits directly on top of your head—not tilted to one side or sitting too far back. A well-placed cap adds to the celebratory look.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Before the big day, try on your cap several times, practicing how to take it on and off using a mirror. Make adjustments to your hair after the cap is secured. For long hair, you might want to part it first, while for short hair, tucking it behind your ears can keep things neat. And don’t forget some bobby pins if you feel you need them.
What to Do After Graduation
Your graduation cap might not be an everyday accessory, but it can still hold a special place in your life. Here are some creative ideas for what to do with your cap post-graduation.
- Keep a Memento: Preserve your graduation cap by vacuum sealing it, placing it in a plastic case with a tight lid, or creating a shadow box to commemorate your achievement.
- Decorate and Display: Channel your creativity and decorate your cap in a way that reflects your personality or achievements, then display it proudly in your home.
- Pass It On: Consider gifting your cap to a future graduate, or use it as a thoughtful surprise for someone special who is about to embark on their own educational journey.
- Recycle: Sustainability is key! Look for ways to recycle your cap, supporting eco-friendly initiatives and reducing waste.
- Clean and Donate: If your cap is still in good condition, clean it and donate it to your school for future graduates to use, helping others reach their own achievements.
Your graduation cap represents your milestone—cherish it, wear it well, and find ways to repurpose it that reflect your journey and continue to inspire others. Celebrate this exciting chapter of your life!