I've Graduated!

Finishing university for me was a steady series of finals. Finally submitting my dissertation. Attending the final lecture and seminar for each of my modules. A final (slightly sleep-deprived) deadline cluster. Slowly saying goodbye to staff and friends over a number of weeks as events in which we would see each other trickled away. Gradually going into the department less and less as fewer of my friends were working there, or I had fewer books to return to the library. It was lovely to have the time to explore Manchester in a way I had not been able to before, but there was a sense of melancholy in many of these experiences as I was unsure when I would next be back in this city or seeing these people. 

I had a wonderful time at home enjoying the sun of late June whilst waiting for my final degree marks. Once these came in I was also (finally) able to set into the motion of starting to York as the submission of my transcript changed my offer from conditional to that magical status of unconditional. And then all that was left to do was celebrate graduation.

Manchester put on its classic show and it rained all day (I could ring out my dolly shoes!). But despite the weather doing its best (or worst?) to disrupt the day, I still had an amazing time. It was lovely to see friends that I had not seen, some for several months due to the erratic nature of timetables. The ceremony itself was actually quite short, only about an hour, with speeches that reignited my love of learning once more. And then celebrating! I had a lovely meal with my parents, and a delicious cocktail (it had to be done).

Now that I have been 'a graduate' for a few weeks I have been able to reflect a bit more on what being 'a student' means to me. I have written many times on this blog about how I am starting a Masters, so this is far from the ends of my academic journey. But it many ways this is still a major transition. For most of my life I have had at least a hazy plan involving going to university for a Bachelors. During the stress of GCSEs and A-Levels I would often imagine what my life as an undergrad would be like. But as a postgrad? This is something I had given much less thought to, and it is rapidly becoming a reality. I am changing institution and city, and whilst I am incredibly excited about this new journey, I think it is important to acknowledge that I am also very nervous. I am quite a nervous person, and getting a degree certificate hasn't changed this. Being 'a proper adult' hasn't stopped me from stressing about the future, big and small. For students of all types, there are massive shifts that we go through and these can be scary. These can also be amazing. Over that last two summers I have completed several weeks of archaeological fieldwork for my degree. And before both I was terrified! I barely knew anybody and I was going to be in a new environment. But in both instances I have made some of the absolute best friends (and memories). I'm not fond of change, but time moves on, degrees come to an end, and I am determined to keep making steps that terrify me. Here's to a series of news, not just finals.

Thank you so much for reading!