.         It’s no secret that the main reason seniors join clubs is to earn graduation cords. Okay, perhaps a special few join because they have genuine interest in the club, and want to take their passion to help their community. However, for the remainder of us — yes, me included — we do it to collect vibrant colored, well-earned, ropes that will sway effortlessly as we walk across the stage.
.         When asked if she only joined clubs for the graduation cords, Lakshita Kamireddy, 12, responded, “I joined so my friends and I could meet together and have fun. But I also joined because of the cords, though not fully.”
.         Niranjana Ezhilarasen, 12, explained, “Some of them, yes. But I think everyone did.”
.         The amount of clubs students may commit to varies depending on how stacked they want to be at graduation. Kamireddy said, “I want 10 cords. [I joined] 4-5 clubs, not just for the cords but also so I can put it into my Common App activities.
.         Ezhilarasan contributes, “I don’t know [how many cords], but I want enough to make my gown not look that boring.” She joined two more clubs this year, including Beta Club, to achieve this.
.         Since it is blatantly obvious that most seniors join clubs for the cords, this may lead some to question if it is really ethical to do so. Should clubs require students to maintain multi-year long membership to obtain cords?
.         What is the root of this obsession with graduation cords? Kamireddy explains, “I’m not trying to be mean or anything, like I’m showing off. It’s not that I was forced to do something, but I wanted to do it. I want to brag. It’ll look cute with my cap and gown.”
.         Ezhilarasen agreed, I don’t think there’s anything really that special, but I don’t care if you buy them or earn them. I just think they make your gown look better. I think having cords makes you look like you accomplished something even if you didn’t. Plus, nobody really cares about it after you graduate.”
.         Kamireddy counters in obvious shock, “Ok, buddy. I care about my cords. I’m going to be showing them off.”
.         Buying fake cords has been a hot topic online near graduation time. Some say that it is unfair to those who worked hard to earn their cords, while others argue to mind your own business because at the end of the day you’re not killing anyone by buying fake cords, are you?