Probably, you will agree, albeit perhaps in a lesser degree, that those graduation days truly are some of the most memorable days in your life. You certainly looked forward to your graduation and you were as almost as excited as your parents to don the full academic regalia that you can only wear on those days. I remember that it was freezing cold on my high school graduation day and that I was pretty grateful for the warm and comfortable graduation robe, but what I can’t forget until now is how excited I was at the sight of those academic regalia cords.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t an honor student in high school so all I could do was stare with envy at the classmates who graduated with honors for naturally the cords hanging from their shoulders made their academic regalia seem much more impressive than mine. I was quite mischievous in high school and I would have bought and worn my own cord if I could have gotten away with it. Unfortunately, my school ordered personalized graduation attire that featured the two school colors on the cords themselves. Those colors looked good on me too, and today I still regret not being a better high school student.
In a way I suppose it was lucky for me that the regret drove me to do better in college and I managed to graduate with a Cum Laude to grace my bachelor’s degree. The day finally came that I wore unique academic regalia again, this time with a lovely cord draping my shoulders, giving it the most satisfying effect. This cord was even nicer than the one my old high school used, featuring two different cords held together with a knot. We were given the option to buy the cords, and you can bet I paid for mine right away. Now it hangs at the back of my closet, on a special hook that holds no other apparel. I would have been happier with two different cords hanging from that hook, but I am quite happy having managed to get one indeed.
What makes the cord even more special, aside from all the studying I did to earn it, was that it was personalized. Nowadays, personalization is so easy, not just for cords but for sashes, stoles, hoods and other academic regalia. Most high schools and universities also make it a point to make their graduation attire as unique as possible, for not only will it make the students feel more honored, but the institutions themselves look far more distinguished just by taking that one simple step. . Even small touches can turn a simple cord into one that will be far more special to its wearer. For example, a university whose graduates wear personalized cords or stoles on their special day will definitely stand out from other institutions that don’t bother doing the same.
If your high school or university makes use of special academic regalia for graduation days, don’t hesitate to share your opinion about going for personalized cords. They can even visit websites like GradShop to look for more information on bulk purchases or renting. Graduation days don’t happen every year, and with your own academic cord, you can look back on those special days with fondness.