the graduate

5PM
I'm sitting here at the computer listening to the legendary Pat Metheny, whilst attempting to commit to my blog the events that unfolded this morning, the 4th of July 2007.

twelve and a half hours earlier....

5.30AM
I woke up this morning,a student of the University of Glasgow, scurrying about the flat, trying to iron my white blouse, drink coffee and brush my teeth almost simultaneously. I learnt that at the most 2 are possible at any one time ( but I wouldn't recommend brushing teeth with Nescafe.... NOT PLESANT!)
You must understand- I have just moved into my flat,and expectedly so, most of what I possess are in boxes ...many many boxes!!!
Toothbrush in Box A .... toothpaste in Box E.... one shoe in my wardrobe...one shoe in the lounge ( yeah you guessed .. in another box!!!. I have a new found repsect for the phrase "To look for a needle in a haystack :).So you've had a glimpse of the chaos that defined the beginnings of what everyone says is
A MILESTONE in my life... MY BIG DAY... and all that jazz.
At the rate I was going, I was convinced that my big day would come and go, and I'd still be looking for that elusive left black shoe!!!

9.30AM
Miraculously enough,I made it to the courtyard (in one piece,both shoes on and my head on my shoulders) with half an hour to spare... half an hour to collect myself... half an hour before my status as a puny yet safe and protected under-space occupying lesion-graduate would expire.

It was a glorious morning as the sun reflected off the dew kissed grass and smiled upon us all.
The university quadrangle was abuzz with students and their families and friends. Needless to say, the incessant clicking of cameras and requests (some orders) of "Smile", "Stand here... No there... , ok turn this way a little.. 1 2 3 ... " *click* resounded through the grounds as everyone went trigger happy with their Canons and Nikons and Sonys. Even I, who HATES having my photo taken succumbed to the call of the lens, and yes... pictures were taken!

11AM
Clad in elegant black and red robes that kept sliding off our shoulders(not so elegant), we filed into the antique Bute Hall and took our seats.

11.15AM
The ceremony kicked off with the academic procession of vice-chancellor and all those who embody the powers that be of the University of Glasgow. A prayer of thanksgiving was then recited by us all in Latin. Very cool.

11.30AM
The roll call began!As I sat there watching my fellow batchmates rise from their seats to heed the call of the vice-chancellor, the butterflies successfully found their way into the depths of my tummy and I was like ... "Holy crap... I'm up next.... Don't trip on the robe Karen... Don't trip!" Mantra of the moment.

Then it happened- I found myself standing in front of the vice-chancellor as he said:
"KAREN L, Te baccalaureum" !!
And at that moment, I was bestowed the highest honour in my little life to date:
Medicinae Baccalaureum et Chirurgiae Baccalaureum

Grand!

12 PM
The vice-chancellor delivered a short speech, brimming with idealism and enthusiasm for what's in store for us beyond the great doors of university. The one line that he said that stuck with me was
"Don't play it small. This is your time!"

12.15PM
The finale was a grand exit preceeded by the academic head honchos, followed by us...THE GRADUATES!!
As we began to spill out of our rows,there was a familiar tune coming to life within the walls of the hall. It was the Star Wars theme!!!! I kid you not.... hahah it was friggin BRILLIANT!! As the monstrous pipe organ started bellowing the opening bars of John Williams masterpiece, we gave each other the "Are you joking... this is awesome!" look, and made our exit in style,with beaming smiles,infused with pride and thrill.

AWW MAN ...WHAT A HIGH!

6PM
I woke up this morning, a student at the University of Glasgow.
I sit here and conclude this post, a graduate from the University of Glasgow.