A university president was guest speaker at graduation rites in a neighboring school. He was fascinated by seniors in cap and gown taking their time marching to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance. When he rose to address them he recounted how they do graduations over at his university -
"Our graduating students don't march. They sprint. We herd them to the stage to receive their diplomas as fast as we can like we are in a hurry to get rid of them."
"Our graduating students don't march. They sprint. We herd them to the stage to receive their diplomas as fast as we can like we are in a hurry to get rid of them."
That was 1993. I was a member of that graduating class who responded with a collective chuckle at that ceremony comparison. Fast forward to 2013: the memory came back when I noticed a photo background at the entrance of my playground recently -
Getting ready for my next class, I glance at global warming, space tourism, export trends stuff for the day. Another batch of university kids are going to graduate. God I'm old.
When my daughter graduated from university I suddenly seemed to age too. It is like a marking point in life.
ReplyDeleteA defining moment... I'm relating!Happy Blue Monday, Hazel!
ReplyDeleteI remember when I marched to Pomp and Circumstances with my head held high. What a special moment!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blue Monday, Hazel.
Great shots ~ carol ^_^
ReplyDeleteI can barely remember my graduation. It is a blur because there were so many of us graduating and it was such a hot day ;-)
ReplyDeleteI am going back to school this year. In fact, I never went to college so it will be a new experience for me at 50! I totally relate to your last sentence. I feel old there...but I also feel new.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter just graduated from college. She rode her bicycle to the ceremony and carried a backpack. I can't really remember my graduation, other than my parents having car trouble and getting me there late.
ReplyDeleteContemplative!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeletegraduation ceremonies make one feel nostalgic.
ReplyDeleteGraduation was a long time ago but it is a wonderful rite of passage.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter will turn 30 in two years and for some reason that seems more amazing to me than my age. Carver, ABC Wed. Team
ReplyDeleteYou're not THAT old... but time does march on.
ReplyDeleteROG, ABC Wednesday team
That's the great thing about teaching. Your students are forever young. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
I liked the sound of Pomp and Circumstance so much...at my wedding my bridesmaids came down to that and the Wedding March started when I came in. It's probably never been done at a wedding before or after mine....!! Oh Well. I liked it.
ReplyDeleteI don't think we have those ceremonies here at the secondary schools. It's rather sober overhere. We are called one by one to get the certificate, which we have to sign. Of course we are very happy. Oh and we also get a little speech and a handshake.
ReplyDeleteIt is not a great happening at school. At home we celebrate.
Have a great day!
Wil, ABCW Team