To buy a class ring, or not to buy a class ring — that is the question. I am no Shakespeare, but I would like to posit this query.
As I consider my impending graduation this May, universe-willing, I am taking time to consider the numerous traditions that come with such a big life transition. Should I decorate my graduation cap? Do I take pictures in the fall, winter or spring? Do I really have to wear all-white under my ceremony gown?
I am somewhat of a superstitious person, I suppose, so I would like to do what is necessary for an auspicious start to the rest of my life. I do not need my cosmic karma to be out of whack.
Diane Lee is a senior studying history who plans on purchasing a class ring. She names her parents as relatively significant factors in her decision, stating that they heavily encouraged her to get a class ring in high school, which she continues to enjoy now. She also notes that she already wears rings, adding to her affinity for the class ring tradition.
“I have had a fairly good experience with the admin and professors at Mississippi State University, and I believe a ring would commemorate the positive memories I have had here,” Lee said.
However, psychology major Paige Miller will not be purchasing a class ring. Miller shared that she would not be buying a collegiate class ring because the tradition “feels very high school” to her. In her experience, buying a class ring was a big thing in high school, whereas buying one during college feels excessive.
“It feels more like an extra thing you are paying for to remember your time at college, apart from your degree, cap, gown and whatever other regalia you get,” Miller said.
Elisa Stocking is an MSU and Reflector alumnus and current Welcome Center employee. Stocking did not purchase a class ring for herself but watched as many students did during her time as an alumni delegate. Stocking came to MSU as a transfer student after spending the first two years of her college career at a community college, which she acknowledges may have affected her stance on whether to purchase a class ring.
“I think it is a sweet tradition, but since I did not do college along the traditional path, that just was not the one for me,” Stocking said.
Instead of a class ring, Stocking and her mother purchased a Kendra Scott ring with a white stone in the middle as a memento of her success.
Stocking also shared what she thinks is the sticking point for many graduating students, something Miller also mentioned: the price. For context, the MSU class rings have a starting price — according to the website — of $600; certainly not a price tag to sneeze at.
“As a delegate, I sort of felt guilty trying to keep the tradition alive due to the price,” Stocking said. “Almost always, students would look with awe at the displays, scan the QR code and their smile would shift to an overly polite smile before they moved on.”
I cannot blame those students that Stocking spoke with. The idea that something so small can cost $600 gives me stress hives, but maybe that is just me. For students like Lee, perhaps that price tag is worth the joy and satisfaction of the exchange. I, however, fall into Miller’s camp.
Perhaps if MSU had a huge culture around class rings like I’ve been told Texas A&M does, or if my parents were more invested in me having a class ring or if the price point was not so high, I would be more inclined to buy one. But alas, we are not Texas A&M, my parents do not care and, as I said, I get a rash thinking about the cost.
