“Unboxing” style videos have been popular on YouTube in recent years. Tech fans and brand advocates have been documenting the process of taking their favorite products out of boxes and reacting to what they see—from new phones and toys to accessories and sneakers. Our lead social media specialist was inspired by these videos and decided to apply the concept to a graduate’s hardest-earned outfit—the cap and gown. He brought a group of graduating seniors into our studio, had them unbox their caps and gowns, try them on, and look into the mirror. Then, off the cuff, he asked them how it felt to wear the Red Robes—NC State’s graduation attire. This content series captured their answers, unfiltered. We hope it makes you smile.
From the Judges
NC State leveraged a popular YouTube genre to tell a much more compelling version of the typical annual graduation story, focusing on what the signature cap and gown means to the students who put it on. The impromptu question by the videographer made the entire experience that much more genuine, engaging, and emotional; without even reading the comments, it was clear viewers would smile, tear up, reminisce on, or look forward to their own graduation experience. It was creative, relevant, and effective in making one of the final moments of the student experience that much more memorable and meaningful.
