Putting the cherry on the University cake
The alarm rings loudly at 6am; I hit snooze for the third time. I can feel the sun’s bright morning rays beaming through the window onto my face as if nature is telling me it’s time to wake-up. I reluctantly peel myself out of bed, eyes still closed and body moving slowly as if stuck in quick-sand. All this just to beat the morning rush of family members fighting over one bathroom in our cosy little rented cottage.
But today is an important day so I want to look, and feel, my best.
The hot shower fails to bring me to life but the upbeat tunes on Radio 1 provides the perfect remedy for tiredness. As I put on my make-up and brush my hair to the beat of Gorgon City’s, ‘Ready for your love’...
...I realise the lyrics perfectly match my current mood and feelings about Graduation Day.
It’s midday and after a hearty bacon butty and cup of tea; we’re all finally ready to rock. ‘Beep beep’, the taxi honks their horn and surprise surprise; I’m the last one to run frantically out of the door.
We pull-up to my University and waves of butterflies flutter in my stomach; I try to fight them. ‘Why
am I nervous?’, I ask myself. I shake it off and talk about the weather; the usual topic people mention when they feel awkward or aren’t sure what else to talk about. I laugh to myself as I remember the topic in Canada was bears. So instead of ‘did you see the rain today’, the icebreaker was ‘did you see any bears today?’. And I did. Frequently.
This little but significant memory leads me to think of all I’ve accomplished since starting at Brookes. A work placement in Whistler ski resort and a study exchange in Australia is among them. Graduation day feels like a chance to recognise and celebrate them all; no matter how big or small.
Me and the gang (above) huddle around the table in the cafe of the new JHBB building. Its the first time we’ve all been together in years and I feel an overwhelming sense of happiness. Everyone grabs a coffee and I hand out the graduation booklet where they spot a familiar face in the middle pages.
While they’re entertained, I sneak off to register for the ceremony and collect my gown. The staff are welcoming, enthusiastic and super organised which puts me at ease. My hat and gown fit me like a glove; I feel so grown-up.
It’s 3.10pm and we make our way to the main hall for the ceremony. The place is buzzing with people and try to spot my friends in the sea of black hats.
‘Well done, we did it!’, my friends Hanka and Lenka say energetically. We take our seats the butterflies intensify and my leg twitches nervously.
The procession begins and I enjoy the traditional music and colourful outfits. The speeches contain the right combination of inspiration, motivation and heart. As I look around at people's faces, I see a mixture of happiness and relief.
Each person’s name is then read out and I eagerly wait for mine.
As I walk toward the stage, a big smile sweeps itself across my face when I spot my lecturers. They helped me get here and saw me become the person that I am today. The gang are sat on the front row and I feel ecstatic they're all here. My boyfriend winks at me cheekily as if to say, ‘you got this’, which calms my nerves slightly.
‘Louise Frances Leach’
My name is called. I take shaky yet convincingly confident strides towards the vice-chancellor. I hear the faint ‘woos’ and ‘hoos’ of my father, but I’m too busy concentrating on not falling over.
This is it. I'm handed four years on a single crisp white piece of paper. All I’ve worked hard is here and I couldn’t feel more delighted.
The climax of the ceremony ends with an absolute whopper of a motivational speech by a good friend of mine; Janine Juma. As I listen to the confidence and passion in her voice, I realise how much life has changed me and friends in just four years.
At 4.30pm, we sip on cold sparkling champagne in the sunny garden reception. It’s a final chance to reminisce, say our goodbyes and give thanks to the ones who helped along our student journey.
Today is Tuesday 1st July at 3.30pm. I’m drinking green tea in my new flat in Edinburgh while writing my story to share with you. And as I reflect upon my graduation day, I realise all the planning, anticipation and curiosity fell nicely into place. It truly was a momentous and unforgettable occasion for me.
Now, it’s onwards and upwards. I’d like to thank my family, friends, boyfriend and lecturers for their constant love and support. I'd also like to say a huge thank-you to Sophie who went out of her way to make this day even more special.
Wishing everyone the very best for the future.
Sources: Pinterest, Youtube
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