Teen Says He Doesn’t Want to Attend His High School Graduation: 'I Never Particularly Enjoyed' It
"I would prefer that I be able to just walk off into the distance once the last bell rings," the high school student wrote on Reddit
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Students throwing up caps at a graduation ceremony (stock image).A teenager is looking to move past his high school experience as soon as possible.
In a post on Reddit's "Am I the A------" forum, the 18-year-old wrote that he is graduating later this year but has no plans to attend his graduation ceremony.
"I never particularly enjoyed it," he wrote about his four years in high school, adding, "The whole way it was presented to me by the school district, my parents and society as a whole is that I am somehow obligated to go, which is not how I see [it]."
And, despite a plea from his sister to “tough it out” and his parents telling him that not going to his graduation ceremony "would devastate" his grandparents, the teen said he is pretty set in his decision.
"Honestly, I would prefer that I be able to just walk off into the distance once the last bell rings," he wrote.
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A student with a diploma (stock image).Related: High School Student with Disability Felt 'Robbed' After Having to Sit in Audience for Graduation
In the comments section of the Reddit post, many expressed that the teenager should still attend the ceremony.
"It's something you can do for yourself to say goodbye to a horrible time in your life (or however you felt about it) and hello to your new life," one wrote, as another said, "All you have to do is walk across a stage, take your diploma and listen to a boring speech. Then let your people gush how proud they are."
Other users, meanwhile, told the teen that he should take his family's feelings into account, given how they have likely helped him throughout his education.
"Did they help you with homework? Drive you to school/practice/etc.? Wake you up in the mornings? Pack your lunch? Ask about your day? Meet with your teachers? Attend your concerts? Contribute at all to your achievement of graduating?" one commenter wrote, referring to the teenager's parents. "This is a celebration for them as much as for you. They’re proud of you and want to celebrate you."
Added one other, echoing similar sentiments, "You’re a free man and in the end you’re gonna pick whichever choice you want, but if your parents and siblings and grandparents really want to see you walk, do it for them! Seriously! Not for the s----- school or anyone else but for the fam who worked their a---- off so u could get thru high school and who just wanna see u finish it thru."
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