I GRADUATED!

Whooooop! I finally finished uni! *Sticks on Kanye's Graduation album and dances proudly into her future in her sparkly silver heels* After three years on a Journalism and Creative Writing course, I graduated!

My parents and I arrived in Falmouth the day before graduation. We decided to stay in student halls - which seemed like a good idea at first because of price and location - but when we checked in around 9pm, there were a group of lads in the kitchen, reminiscing loudly over a bottle of gin. Not quite the neighbors we were expecting.

It was so weird. We were staying in the block opposite my old flat from first year, so the memories came flooding back. I went full circle in starting and ending my uni experience in these flats, three years on and it still smelt the same...

After our first night in halls, it was graduation day. Fortunately, the sun was out and my ceremony wasn't till 4pm, so we had time to soak in Falmouth and all its glory. It was so nice to be back by the sea, though I felt too relaxed to head back and actually get ready to graduate.

*I actually blasted Rizzlekicks and Cher through my speaker and could barely walk, let alone dance into my future because my heels turned out to be damn painful*

As you can imagine, that feeling didn't last long... We got ready in halls, then my friends and I went to collect our robes. That's when the nerves made their first appearance. There were lines of people waiting to dress you in your robes; the man who fit mine was lovely and consoled me when I said the formality of the gowns was making things too real.

With a heavy sash draped awkwardly across my tiny shoulders, I joined my friend on the very grown up and official graduation carousel, which I must say was really good fun.

Galloping into our futures

After a few pictures and gown adjustments, the time had come to make our way to the ceremony hall - aka, the sports hall. Not that you would have recognised it as the sports hall; it was done up with loads of chairs, fancy flags and stage lights.

We were waiting for the dance performance to kick off the ceremony and all I could think was 'please don't fall over'. My feet were already starting to hurt and I couldn't quite catch my breath. It was an excited nervousness, but I was dreading walking across the stage.

I explained this to my classmate sitting next to me, who responded: 'what's the worst that could happen? You embarrass yourself for a second, then it's over.' I am going to remember for the rest of my life as a concrete mindset to settle nerves.

After the first few rows of people had proudly taken to the stage, and greeted Dawn French (our uni's Chancellor), it was my turn. The lights were bright as I stood in the wing. I had no idea where my parents were sat and was too afraid to look for them, so I stared straight on with a nervous grin.

I heard my name called out to the whole audience and instructed my feet to go one in front of the other. I approached Dawn French, smiled, shook her right hand with my right hand and received a chocolate coin from her left hand with my left hand. I had to concentrate so hard not to mess that up. Then I walked on and shook hands with the head of Creative Writing, taking my scroll and exited the stage.

I don't think I breathed the whole time. Apparently I walked really fast. I don't even remember what Dawn French's face looked like.

Then it was done.

Me and the Folks

Officially a graduate. 'In Limbo' as Dawn French said, between student life and real adulthood.

Beforehand, I wasn't really looking forward to the ceremony. I thought it was all too much of a big hype fore a couple of seconds on stage just like all the other hundreds of students.

Now, however, I realise how much of a big deal it is. We have grown so much over the last three years, as students, as friends and individuals. To celebrate that properly really was something special and I can't wait to see what the future holds.

Congratulations to all of my fellow graduates, to those who graduated before me and those who are due to graduate next. Well done.

Class of 2019

We have come far.

We are all brilliant.

E. x