With approximately 1,200 students eligible to graduate at Moorpark College this spring, a large (and lengthy) graduation ceremony seems inevitable. However, the buzz around campus regarding the decision to participate in or opt out of the festivities is mostly in favor of the latter. This begs the question, in a society so inclined to celebrate an individual’s achievements, why are so many students choosing to forfeit the cap and gown?

More often than not, students have expressed that their time spent at Moorpark is viewed as a necessary step to ease the transition between secondary and post-secondary school. Michelle Morales, a 20-year-old elementary education major, explains that she is choosing instead to celebrate in the future.

“I am not walking at graduation because I would rather save that memory or experience for when I graduate from the university I am transferring to,” Morales said. “If I knew I would not be continuing my education at another school, I would walk.”

Although the years of study typically amount to half of that spent at universities, the result has led to many individuals minimizing their achievement of earning an Associate’s degree. Students on campus profess their enthusiasm in venturing off to a higher institution or beginning their professional exploration. Even so, the college responsible for guiding us to the perfect major, introducing us to our closest friends, or facilitating the completion our general education requirements is ultimately losing recognition.

According to Sharon Miller, of the Moorpark Student Activities Department, only 25 percent of eligible students are expected to walk. Miller says that an individual’s decision to participate in the graduation ceremony is predicated by a variety of factors.

“Some graduates are the first in their family to graduate from college,” Miller said. “It’s a time to celebrate all the accomplishments of attending Moorpark College and earning a degree.”

A perk in taking part of a city college graduation is the reasonable hour and a half duration of the ceremony. Guests do not require tickets, as the seating is on a first-come-first-served basis. For optimal accessibility, campus parking will be free during the event.

Those on the fence about publicly accepting their degree have the longest possible window of opportunity, as the “deadline” to sign up for participation is graduation day. As long as the bookstore has a cap and gown in your size, you are welcome to walk.

Katie Mulvihill, a 20-year-old communications major, believes her classmates should take advantage of receiving their degrees in front of friends and family.

“I’ve been here for a while and put forth enough effort that it feels worth it to walk across the stage,” Mulvihill said. “We are a community of people who have all put forth effort, so why not celebrate together?”

While the pressure to walk may be from family members, the long hours of preparing for exams and presentations were all of your effort. The opportunity to take this next step is not only a production of appreciation, but a farewell to our teachers and peers who have aided us through academic and personal development.

Whether this is a transitional period in your life in preparation for obtaining a Bachelor’s degree, or simply a way to gain experience, you have earned the right of passage and deserve to be celebrated.