November 30th - Graduation

I thought November 30th deserved 2 posts of its own! This one will be on Graduation :) Next one will be on the ball. 

What a day! Went to bed at 3:30...almost crying because I wasn't done my paper due 8.5hs later. Woke up 4.5hs later at 8am to finish my essay. At 10 I ran to meet my friend to grab tickets to her graduation. Ran back home, actually finished my essay. At 11:20 I ran to the library to print my essay and then went to hand it in (didn't feel very relieved, it wasn't my best essay clearly). Then ran to Younger Hall for graduation ...it did say to be seated before 11:45 and I was! And it felt crazy to be sitting and relaxing because I had been SO stressed out in the last few days, rushing to write and rewrite this last essay.

Graduation was great! Thanks again to Dimana for inviting me! It started with everyone settling down and a man was playing the organ.

Then we were asked to stand as the procession entered the hall and everyone sang the Gaudeamus (I need to try and learn it). I filmed it, but excuse the poor quality. In the whole stressed out morning I ended up forgetting my camera and so I had to take pictures and film with my mobile.

Then the names started. So many students, but it's short and sweet at St Andrews. You get called by your name alone (they will say your thesis title if you are a PhD, but as undergrad and Masters level simply your name) go and kneel in front of the Rector who will tap your head with a cap and say (in most cases) "et super te" (If you are first to receive the degree they will say the whole shenanigans in latin. All the following students will get "et super te" "and upon you too") and they will put the right hood on you before you stand again and walk off stage. That's it! Short and sweet indeed. And I can tell you there wouldn't be a place for someone to parade around the stage hugging everyone.

Oh and one of the PhD recipient was wearing a monocle! I saw someone wearing a monocle! Made my day!

 

And this is a picture of one of the honoris causa doctorate recipient, Dr. Ian Campbell.  Then after everything, the exit procession started and the new graduates were invited to join in. They walked up to Sallies Quad. I felt so sorry for them! It was a damn cold day in St Andrews and most of them were in only tux or dresses with their gown on top, not very warm.

So it was a great moment! And it also made me realise how much I really want to be there for my graduation from St Andrews! There is no way I am missing it after seeing it! And thanks to my lovely friend who invited me to come along :)  I didn't have much time with her but it was nonetheless super nice to see her!

I wasn't able to spare time because it was a very busy day and 10 mins after it ended, I had to rush to the union because I was doing the wristband exchange for the St Andrew's Day Ball. More on that in the next post!

xx