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Wrinkly graduate!

(42 Posts)
Yummygran Tue 01-May-12 11:00:17

Do you think at 55 it is too old to go to a graduation ceremony? I have just got my BA Hons after 8 years studying part time, but feel a bit long in the tooth for the cap and gown bit....what do you gransnetters think?

jack Tue 01-May-12 18:55:05

Yes Yummygran. Of course you must go. Many congrats and have an unforgettable day. smile

goldengirl Tue 01-May-12 20:46:44

I went to University in my 50s and there was a gentleman there graduating in his 80s!!!! Go for it. Show the young ones that we're not too old to learn and succeed flowers

POGS Tue 01-May-12 22:03:01

How fantastic. I would walk up to get your reward with total pride. I think all the other graduates will not even think about your age. I would'nt mind betting you will be pleasently surprised how many 'mature' students are getting their papers too.

I think age has become a thing of the past, unless I am lucky with the company I keep. I am sure others there will be so happy on the day and I think it is good fun and you should share in the lovely occassion.

Go for it, you might regret it if you don't.

Oldgreymare Wed 02-May-12 09:35:38

Go and enjoy your success BUT make sure you arrive early to collect 'cap and gown' if you are hiring them.
I didn't and someone else had mine (careful measurements taken before hand) and I was left with one that balanced precariously.
Hence I look rather silly in my photograph which, never-the-less, has joined what we call the rogues gallery (photographs of DS 1and 2 and neices, who were all less than half my age when I got my 'moment of glory').

grrrranny Wed 02-May-12 09:54:32

All this is making me think. I too got BA Hons last year after ages and haven't gone to award ceremony. Too expensive, silly stuff but really because I hate getting my photo taken. Reading this thread is making me think that perhaps I might go - but probably not. I've got the bit of paper upstairs somewhere. It also might be because I think I would feel a bit out of place - not because of age but because I still, after all these years, think that at these kind of events, everyone else is brimming with confidence and I'll be the one who commits some kind of faux pas. Yummy let us know how it goes and photos would be good to see.

Joan Wed 02-May-12 09:57:25

I got my BA(Hons) at age 60 and enjoyed the ceremony. Do it, enjoy it, and show us the photos!

And many congratulations!!

grrrranny Wed 02-May-12 10:27:23

Congratulations Joan - I was 61 and it seems there are quite a lot of us who returned to study later in life.

Annobel Wed 02-May-12 10:44:50

grrrranny: be proud of yourself! And don't imagine that everyone else is more confident than you are. They are human too - even the youngsters! I was just a kid - well, 21 - when I graduated and I don't remember being full of confidence at all. Go on, I dare you - put the seal on it and graduate with pride.

grrrranny Wed 02-May-12 10:56:23

Oh dear - Joan and Annobel. I have looked and I could go to one in June at Milton Keynes (there is one in Paris later in the year - that would be brilliant but out of question). I will float the June idea to DH later. I know he will want me to go but....

I am just being a wimp but the idea makes me feel a bit sick.

cheerleader Wed 02-May-12 22:19:00

Do go, Yummygran. You've worked hard and thoroughly deserve your moment of glory. Enjoy very minute of the day. Congratulations!

grannyactivist Thu 03-May-12 00:07:04

Congratulations on your splendid achievement yummy - I'm so glad you've decided to attend the graduation ceremony and hope you relish every moment of it. flowers

Yummygran Thu 03-May-12 15:19:07

Oh grrrranny......you must go too, I have thought hard about it and I agree with all the comments, we do deserve the recognition. I hadn't thought of it before, but I guess it is a good example to show our youngsters, proving that you are never too old to learn! Even at our great age lol.

I'll show my pictures....if you show yours grrrranny blush

glassortwo Thu 03-May-12 16:00:51

grrrranny of course you have to go youve worked hard, now do the easy bit go and enjoy sunshine

grrrranny Fri 04-May-12 09:49:44

Oh oh - I had talked myself into the idea that taking my second youngest GD to the Women's Library in London (she is 13) would be a much better use of my money. The Library Annobel highlighted as being under threat on the Epetition thread. Although it might be a cop out so I can have a justification for not having my photo taken (pay) hiring gown (pay) etc. confused

Annobel Fri 04-May-12 09:54:01

Wouldn't your GD be proud to see her grrrranny grrrraduating?

grrrranny Fri 04-May-12 10:02:02

Oh Annobel that's taken the wind out of my sails - ah she couldn't as it is on a school day. But I could choose another date I suppose. Maybe I'll ask her which she would like to do best - might be which is the lesser of two evils!