answer:I’ll be honest and say I am not sure what a ‘commencement’ is. Since I have never attended one. However, during my rather lucrative career, in the past, I was expected to attend award ceremonies, and dinners and events. I hated the whole idea. They consisted of competitor consultants, who made bitchy remarks. Plus because I often won awards I had to make speeches as well as walk onto the stage in front of numerous people. This was terrifying to me. I hate public speaking. I speak from the heart though, I did force myself to go. Some of the worse events that I had anticipated, to be awful turned out to be the best ever. I often sit and remember these times with pride and shock. That I was once such a successful person. For memory value they are priceless. For pushing yourself the extra mile, they speak of personal achievement. Can a close friend attend with you? If not that is also not a ‘train smash’. Even if you go it alone, stand tall, be proud of what you have achieved. It is by dipping our toes in the water that we learn to swim. I don’t think you will be completely alone at *********, I think I will be around fluther and so will many others :)