Bridget Veltri
arts@mustangdaily.net
OK, I am about to officially become a college graduate but as I walked in to the Mustang Daily newsroom this morning I found out that there was still one last thing that I had to learn. Yes my fellow seniors, I did not know that the hideous yet prestigious flat hat that dons the domes of recent college grads as they accept their diplomas, along with their fate in the ill-suited economy, is called a mortarboard. This makes sense because the thing is basically cardboard and fabric, but it doesn’t have to be according to my more crafty friends. The decorating of the mortarboard may not be the most traditional of graduation events but it sure seems to be gaining popularity; it is a great way to stand out in a sea of black. It also makes it easier to identify after being tossed into the air. Like I mentioned prior, I am not crafty but I like to think that I am clever. So hear are some decorative cap suggestions.
Pay a tribute: If your parents will be sweating in the sun to watch you strut across the stage why not give them a subtle shout out via your hat. A simple “Hi mom” or “I love you dad” or “I heart my Grandma” will do. I had a friend last year, who decided to pay homage to her education degree and teaching ambitions by decorating her hat with an apple and an A+.
Get sandy or look to nature for inspiration: My buddies, some of whom surf, some who don’t, decided to look to the shores for inspiration. They seem to have seashells and sand dollars on the brain. I am thinking that will purchase a fake monarch butterfly or two from Beverly’s downtown and strategically hot glue them to mine.
It’s all about the glitz and glam; summon your inner third grader and bedazzle that black flat abyss. Enough said. Be practical; you never know who might be watching in the audience, or better yet who might be hiring. Put your résumé on your hat or just a big bold, “hire me.” Hey, you’re in the real world now, no time like the present to start networking. Or if you have a job, show your gratitude by putting the logo on the cap.
Demonstrate your passion or be patriotic: Studying abroad here? Love the U.S. of A? Show it by draping your hat in your country’s flag. Ride horses? Love baseball? Run triathlons? Find a way to incorporate your hobby of choice on your cap.
Take a tip from the fridge: no magnets needed, attach pictures of you and your friends on top of your hat or get crazy and make a mobile out of it. Friends often equal family in college and the memories you have made with your buddies are bound to last longer than what you learned in math. Toast it; start the celebration a little bit early by getting a little tipsy and putting the bottle caps to good use. Bottle caps are readily available in this environment and come in an array of colors. Beirut, if you have lived here you know that it’s not just a city in Lebanon, set up a game up top. Cheers.
Go greek: Yeah we know and love members of the greek community that wear their letters loud and proud. Why not give them one last hurrah, put them on your hat and give your bothers and sisters something to cheer about?
When you pick up your mortarboard, get your craft supplies and go crazy. But remember: No matter how snazzy your hat is, nothing will detract from the fact that you are a college graduate. The true decoration lies within the accomplishment. Congrats.