SPOILER: GRADUATION ISN’T JUST WALKING ACROSS A STAGE

Wilhelmina Ernstig

@_wilhelmina_ernstig_

Graduation day feels like our personal red carpet. We trade hoodies for gowns, sneakers for heels, and suddenly we’re stars of our own show — walking across the stage like it’s the Met Gala of academia. Cameras flash, family members cheer, and for a brief moment, everything feels shiny, effortless, and complete.

But the truth? It’s far from effortless.

It all starts with planning — much earlier than you think. Finding a photographer who’s not only available and affordable but also aligns with your aesthetic can feel like a mission. You’re expected to book them in advance, often without even knowing the exact time your ceremony starts. If your photographer happens to be a fellow student, like mine was, it gets even trickier. My saving grace was that I had worked with her before, and she kindly made space for me on the day. That small stroke of luck relieved a big weight off my shoulders.

Then there’s the outfit — arguably one of the most stressful parts. You’d think putting together a look would be fun, but procrastination turns it into chaos. I procrastinated for too long and ended up running around the week before, trying to find the dress. Spoiler alert: I didn’t. So take it from me — plan early, even if you think you’ll “just know” when you see the right outfit. Graduation week is not the time for window shopping or wishful thinking.

As the day creeps closer, things start to feel more official — and more overwhelming. That official invitation? Don’t just skim it. Read it like it holds the secrets to the universe. You need to RSVP by a certain date, and if you’re inviting a whole crew, remember to request extra tickets — and then sit tight, because those confirmations come in very close to the wire. I’m talking less than a week before the event. The nerves!

After that, you’ll finally receive an email from the university with the crucial info: where and when to collect your cap and gown (if you’re renting), where to pick up your graduation booklet and actual ceremony tickets, and last of all, at what time you need to be seated. Pro tip? Check all the attachments. One sneaky missed file and you might forget to pay for your attire, or worse, miss the fine for not showing up. Yes, they charge you for not attending your own graduation. No, I’m not joking.

Then comes the day before — the final prep. Make a checklist. Champagne? Confetti (biodegradable, if you care about nature and clean-up)? Shoes and outfit ready? Proof of payment printed or saved? Know where and when to collect your gown and cap? Have you planned where to meet your family or where your photographer wants to start the shoot? It might feel like a lot, but having all those details sorted will save you from panicking later.

On the actual day, wake up early. Like, early. Give yourself the space to breathe, get dressed slowly, and take care of any last-minute tasks. Head to the Sanlam Auditorium on time — earlier, even — so you’re not stuck in the collection queue for your cap, gown and sash. Get your tickets and booklet, and make sure you and your guests are seated before the ceremony begins. And once that’s all done… just let it happen. Be present. Smile. Laugh. Twirl in your gown if you feel like it. You only graduate a handful of times in your life, so soak it up.

In my personal experience, I wouldn’t have been nearly as calm and collected without a friend by my side. Someone to talk to and someone to help me through the buzz of emotions and logistics. Graduation is about achievement, yes — but it’s also about connection. So lean on your people when you need to.

Looking back, graduation was beautiful. It was emotional. It was the ending of one messy chapter and the start of a better one. And at the end of the day, while the photos are important and the congratulations are meaningful, what you’ll remember most is how it felt to be there. Surrounded by celebration, supported by those you love, and standing proudly at the end of a long, challenging journey, ready for the next. So if you’re reading this while planning your big day, breathe. And please, for the love of crossed fingers and extra tickets, don’t wait until the last minute.

Because yes, it’s your red carpet moment. But no one tells you how much goes into just walking across that stage.

Edited by Mhlengi Khumalo