I pretended to graduate college. I walked across the stage, wore the cap and gown, had the family celebration, took pictures holding a fake diploma cover — the whole thing. But I never actually finished my degree.
One semester before graduation, I just… cracked. I was burnt out, failing a couple of classes, and too ashamed to tell anyone. So instead of facing it, I faked it. I told my parents everything was on track. I bought a cheap gown online, faked the graduation date, and made sure the ceremony “wasn’t open to guests due to limited capacity.”
Since then, I’ve been working random jobs, telling people I’m “between offers” or “exploring different fields.” It’s a constant weight on me. I’ve had panic attacks just thinking about someone finding out. My parents still proudly mention that I’m the first in the family with a degree. I hate lying to them. I hate lying to everyone.
I’ve finally re-enrolled and I’m taking night classes now, slowly fixing the mess I made. But it still feels like I’m living in a lie.
I don’t know if I’ll ever have the guts to tell them what really happened.
Comments
You are living a lie, that’s a fact. You holding this in for three years is nothing short of impressive.
Either you’re a great liar or everyone’s just clueless.
Why don’t you go back n continue.
Never too late. It happens , be grateful to be alive n well.
Cuz death is very unpredictable.
Best of luck.
Continue in silence, finish your degree, take this shit to the grave.
How did you walk across the stage if you didn’t “graduate”? Don’t they give you a name card with your name, major, and latin honors? How did you get away with that?