Alice Vol. 1 No. 2

LIFESTYLE
Photographer: Trent McDaniel
Graduation Survival Guide
By Lane Stafford
You’ve made it through four
years of college. Now, all
that’s left is surviving graduation.
The most popular
piece of advice alumni give is to embrace
every moment in college. They
say things like “time flies” and “it’s
the best and fastest four years of your
life.” While true, this advice doesn’t
exactly help you prepare to walk
across a stage in front of hundreds of
people or plan dinner for your friends
and family. Here are some tips that
can help you sort through the madness
of graduation week, so you can get
to celebrating.
Breakfast, Reservations,
and Potlucks, Oh My!
If there’s one thing that will be on
everyone’s mind at the end of your
graduation ceremony, it’ll be food.
Start your day off right by eating a
good breakfast; graduation ceremonies
are notoriously long, so avoid hangry
family members by remembering to
fuel up.
Diploma in hand, it’ll be time to
move on to the second biggest event
of the day – finding what restaurant
will fit all 12 of your family members.
“Call way in advance – like now for
May grads,” said Megan Wood, a December
2015 graduate.
Restaurants will be slammed with
orders, and you’ll need to be prepared
for the ones that don’t take reservations
for that weekend. A fun alternative
to eating out is hosting a potluck.
Potlucks are perfect for family
bonding, and you usually end up with
leftovers for days. Plus, you can’t
go wrong with mom’s special homemade
dish.
Dress to Impress,
and for Comfort
Even though you’ll be in a graduation
gown that doesn’t mean you won’t
take it off for pictures later, because
you will. Graduates said to stay clear
from wearing a dress that’s longer
than your gown. Not only will this look
better in your pictures, but you also
won’t have to worry about landing on a
“graduation day fails” YouTube video.
Your dress might be eye candy for
later, but your shoes will be in plain
sight the whole day. While fashion is
important, keep in mind that comfort
matters, too. Wedges are the perfect
shoe for graduation. They give you the
height you want but in the most comfortable
way. When you find your perfect
pair, make sure you wear them out
a few times before the big day to break
them in.
Plan Ahead — Way Ahead
It can be hectic trying to balance finals,
packing, job searching, and mentally
preparing for family to come visit.
Planning ahead can save you from
gradzilla moments. Know who is going
to do your hair and makeup and select
the kind of look you want. Graduates
said that touch-up moments were rare,
so be sure to use long-lasting and waterproof
makeup.
Graduation can be stressful, but
finding the perfect balance between
planning and living in the moment can
result in an unforgettable day.
Alice April 2016 [75]