Graduation, Finally

9th May 2008, I Lucy finally graduated, thus drawing an end to my academic life. I received my Massey graduation certificate a few days before my ceremony, which makes my graduation day a proper finale to my university life.

If I am totally honest, having deferred my graduation for a year makes me feel less excited about it all. Almost felt as if I was attending someone else's graduation. Most of the ppl who I studied with weren't there, but I am still grateful that ppl went in lengths to make it a special day for me. Like my mum convinced me that we should get a professional photos taken. Daddy who shouted us a family dinner afterwards. Emily who took half day off work so she can attend my graduation. Simon who had to rush from Downtown to Townhall to catch me before my ceremony, and many friends who couldn't be there with me, but had express their congradulations through calls/txts/emails. I really appreciate them all! Thank you so much. Then there is Danny who volunteeringly became my stuff carrier and camera man for the day, and trust me! he had a hard job. There were times where he had to juggle 2 huge cameras, 3 bags whilst taking photos (which he had to held using 2 hands).

So here's my round of applause to my darling camera man/luggage bag for the day.

The day started with a march, which due to the rain I was almost were not going to attend at the last minute. But Candy convinced me otherwise. Had a pleasant walk from Albert park to Queen street catching up with a few ppl. The rain hold out for most of the walk and only started to spit towards the end of the walk.

Candy and I at the front of Aotea centre.

Whilst dispersing at the end of the march, I had a little catch up session with few ppl from the "chemistry group".

Then it was almost time for brunch, but before that I made a desperate call to go to Hannahs and got a party feet for my poor feet that was already suffering in Emily's shoes.

I first made a visit to the BSc brunch at the marquee, and on the way there I saw Pam, who told me that the Chemistry brunch is at the Science Centre... make sense I just totally forgot to check the finer detail on my brunch invitation. But walked to the marquee regardless to pick up my grad bear (thanks Danny) (which according to the Food sci director when I was taking a photo with him, is the "most important thing") Anyway, from the walk to science centre, I bumped into 2 of my college mates whom I have not spoken to since well.. college. It was a pleasant surprise and great to see they are both doing well.

Gemma, me and Grant outside of the marquee.

Whilst outside Thomas building, I coincidently got a txt from Dan and said he'll catch up with me if I have time. So I promptly called him... and there he is. World knows how..er... camera phobic (ok maybe that's an exaggeration) Dan is, but he took a photo with me anyway.

But Dan wouldn't be Dan without... while.. I think the photo speaks for itself.

A big disappointment of the day I guess was when walking into science centre and seeing... all the free food I been dreaming about is all GONE!!!! except for 4 tiny pieces of carrot cake. I crawl my way to devour 2 pieces of carrot cake, I was damn starving by then. I was hoping to see more of my classmates at the chemistry brunch, but to my disappointment, I didn't see ANY! Had a chat with my lecturers non-the-less and Sajith who was my ex-colleague/ex-demonstrator. Then, it was on the run to meet my family and get my photos taken at the Townhall.

Again, thanks to Simon for walking all this way to see me (and the flower which..... that was probabily the last I saw of it :P), Emily for taking the day off, and Danny whom finally had a chance to get a tiny break from the camera and all the stuff I was carrying.

The ceremony was.... probably what I expected. I have been in 2 ceremonies, and was fully aware of the long list of names to be called, and sore hands from all the clapping. But at least this time, I get to be applauded to, if only for a few second. I had a huge fear of tripping, or doing somethign embarrasing on stage, but I am glad to say it didn't happen. YAY~~~

After the ceremony, my day was drawing to an end except for one last mission. Take photos with Tina!!

and here it is! her parenst got her a huge spongebob! isn't that sweet. By then the weather had turned for worse, at least I was glad I could wear my trencher, which turned out to be quite water-proof.

That pretty much concluded my graduation. It ended with a very nice family meal, several more camera shots and...

What's more important in a special occasion like this, than spending quality time with the family.