We asked the Class of 2016 to explain their grad cap designs

After four years of late nights, unhealthy amounts of caffeine, going to class hungover (or sleeping through your 8am) and crying to professors to round up your grade, the time to really shine has come: graduation cap decoration. We have rounded the best squared tops of the Class of 2016.

Caitlin Sadler, Middle Tennessee State University

“The Office is hands down my favorite show, so it only seemed fitting to have it somehow integrated into my grad cap. That quote is from the ‘Business School’ episode and I graduated with my Masters of Business Administration so it was perfect!”

Christine DeSpirito, Rutgers University

“Food brings people together and some of my best memories from these past four years have been at these food places around campus. Whether it’s grabbing a drink for happy hour, having late night pizza, or trying a new spot that opens up with friends, it was always easy to make memories.”

Alejandra and Andreina Nash, University of Florida

Alejandra: “I wanted my hat to represent the people that have guided us and sacrificed everything for my sister and I, my loving parents. The flowers represent my blooming self, and I’m still growing.  And Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the plans I have for you’ because I trust the big man!”

Andreina: “A compass is multifunctional: it leads you when you feel lost and guides you you’ve found your path. Let’s hope my compass is directing me in the right way.”

Kaila Davidson, Michigan State University

“I wasn’t planning on decorating my cap. However, I put all of my tickets on the walls of my bedroom, and when I was about to take them down one of my friends joked and said I should put them on my cap.”

Monica Mazel, Pennsylvania State University

“I wanted to pick a design that reflected my time in college, as well as my future career. I’ve been a Film/Video Production major during my four years at PSU, and I felt that a slate was a representative symbol of that. Now as a graduate, I am working in the TV/Film industry, and plan to do so for the rest of my career because it is my greatest passion in life.”

Kaitlyn Bankey, Ohio State

“Basically it’s just all the things that epitomizes Ohio State for me. I chose a photo of my mom and I because I lost her last year and knew she would want to be with me on my graduation day. There is a photo of Thompson library because the oval is the spot on campus which is what I picture when I think of Ohio State. I put my best college friend on there as well (and since added the words ‘how firm thy friendship’ from our alma mater) and of course Brutus because he is my biggest OSU crush.”