CONVOCATION DAY – 05.06.10
Words can’t describe the joy, sense of accomplishment, and humility I felt as I stepped unto that stage at the University of Calgary’s Jack Simpson Gymnasium, awaiting to hear my name called out to the thousands of friends & family who were gathered there that bright June afternoon, to witness the proud achievement of 360 graduates from the University’s Faculty of Arts. I remember explaining the experience to my family afterwards: from the time I literally stepped foot unto that stage, to the name-calling, the hand shaking, the getting ushered backstage to get a second posed photo taken, to walking across the carpeted main floor, to sitting back at my assigned seat – it was all a happy blur. To be absolutely elated must be that feeling. The only down-side to that glorious day was that my baby sister also had her High School convocation ceremony on the exact same day, at the exact same time. So I had my three most important ladies there to support me: the Mrs., my mother, and my favorite aunt. The day was concluded with a lovely dinner where all the family re-convened – gifts and cards were presented, and my life-long dream to slice up my university degree via a cake was fulfilled, thanks to the most wonderful woman any man would be lucky to call his own. Remember to click “READ MORE” at the end of the post below for a step-by-step pictorial guide to my convocation day, but beware as there is a myriad of posed self-shots – I’m too damn excited and proud of myself to tone it down!
Pre-Ceremony
Prior to the ceremony, all graduates were to collect their robe, their hat, their degree, and get dressed by designated robe/sash pinners. Afterwards, we had to go wait in line in the order by which our name was going to be called. I decided to bypass the pinner station, and got my mom to officially clothe me for graduation. My girlfriend and my aunt were on the floor crying when the second photo was taken. Cool.
The Convocation Ceremony
While I waited patiently in the staging area, my group of supporters took to their seat, and my girl shot this amazing photo of me (2nd above) as I walked in to take my seat. Can you see the sense of awe in my stature? While I’ve attended many convocation ceremonies and have heard (and agreed) that they tend to draw out and be horrendously boring, I seriously enjoyed my ceremony. The honorary degree recipient gave a memorable speech about the difference between sympathy and empathy, I joined the other graduates in reciting the U of C’s graduates and alumni oath, and I cheered loud for many of my friends who also graduated that day.
Post-Ceremony
It was so awesome to catch up with friends who I hadn’t seen in years, months or weeks. Pictured above: Sara my friend who I graduated High School with, Hanna my friend who I worked with at Holt Renfrew, and Abi my friend I made through the same classes, but more importantly, the same study and work ethic. The University definitely broadened my network, and I’m so lucky to have met so many awesome people.
Celebratory Dinner
It was awesome to receive and give congratulations for graduating all in the same day. At the end of the day, my sister and I stepped into the same robe to signify the major accomplishment of June 5, 2012. My parents couldn’t be prouder. I enjoyed a lovely evening blanketed in love and pride. And of course, the sneaky and thoughtful efforts of my better half made it all the better.
the important things in life,aren’t things;
they’re moments – moments you treasure forever
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