Graduating seniors were able to browse all sorts of memorabilia to commemorate their big day at their ceremony. (Sonia Gurrola/CSUN).

Graduating seniors got the chance to get their photos professionally taken in their graduation attire. (Sonia Gurrola/CSUN).

Students were able to customize their sashes for graduation at GradFest to personalize their graduation experience. (Sonia Gurrola/CSUN).

At GradFest, students were able to buy or rent their caps and gowns along with other purchases like graduation announcements and class rings. (Sonia Gurrola/CSUN).

So many choices! Customizing the graduation sash. (Sonia Gurrola/CSUN).

Graduating students lined up, ready to make their purchases and ready for their big day to come. (Sonia Gurrola/CSUN).

For graduating seniors, GradFest is a chance to focus on celebrating the next steps toward their futures, while in the homestretch of their final semester at CSUN. This is their chance to hone in on upcoming Commencement ceremonies, as graduating students soon get to live the pivotal moment of walking across the stage to get their hard-earned degree.

GradFest is a celebration of all things commencement-related and takes place every year at the Matador Bookstore Complex. This year, on March 12 and 13, students strolled through, and arranged to either rent or buy the necessities for graduation such as caps and gowns. Then, it was on to perusing other CSUN memorabilia, like graduation announcements, personalized sashes, tassels, class rings and more. Graduating students could even get their photos professionally taken in a cap and gown to forever capture this moment — a preview for the big day that’s coming.

Upcoming graduating student Jessica Hernandez said the event was well-organized and helpful for preparing for the upcoming festivities. It also provided food for thought about what she could do in the future.

“It was quick and painless,” Hernandez said, “There were a lot of things that I didn’t even consider, like even [graduate programs] and staff [opportunities] after graduation.”

Although graduation and taking the next steps can be daunting, the CSUN staff urges students to keep calm and stay focused until the end in order to be able to explore new horizons.

Nico Alexander, who works at the CSUN Office of Student Development and Traditional Programs, expresses how a post graduate life can be full of possibilities while guiding graduating seniors through the process of GradFest.

“Just be open minded and explore all opportunities that are offered to you, like saying yes to opportunities whether it be about your major or your personal preferences, or just exploring and getting into more building your resume.” said Alexander.

Students can pick up their pre ordered purchases from GradFest at the Student Campus store starting on May 8. For anyone who was not able to make GradFest or needs some last minute changes or supplies, click here.

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