The bad news: Nope, I am NOT the one graduating, thanks for asking.
The good news: After all that running, the little black dress that debuted at my own Bachelor's graduation half a decade ago, fit me perfectly today! Hallelujah!
The most interesting part of the graduation ceremonies was definitely the convocation. How many of you remember what was said to you during your own graduation(s)? How many of you recall who it was that gave the central speech? I don't, but the students that walked across the stage today will definitely remember.
It is not every day we get to see The Man. The men in black, the snipers, the twin helicopters. I may not agree with The Man on much (anything?), but I am definitely putting him on the list of famous people I have seen with my own eyes. This town is quite likely one of the few places on the planet where The Man was not booed but cheered, and I counted a total of 3(!) brave protesters in front of the building.
The Man was introduced by his equally well-known parents, and gave a speech not unlike the speeches we have all seen on T.V., laced with silly jokes and war veterans' stories. The only real "nugget" in the speech was an advice not to strive to do popular things, but to do the things that make you feel like you have done the right thing when you look at yourself in the mirror at the end of the day. I suppose that means that The Man sleeps well at night.
Godspeed, dear graduates! Some day I hope to join your ranks.
The perverse incentives of academia
6 years ago
6 comments:
The speaker could make or break my decision to go to the graduation ceremony (although I've already had to commit one way or the other without knowing the speaker).
Given my personal opinions, I'd probably dress in my gown/hood and stay outside with the protesters.
Albatross - I hear you! I went to listen because I wanted to know 2 things:
1. Do the parents (who I have more respect for) approve (apparently they do);
2. Does The Man think he did the right thing (apparently he does).
You'll have to blog about your graduation ceremony - at least about how it feels to be done!
Hehehe - I went to mine just because I thought I should go to at least one of mine - and my parents realised finally that what I was doing was relatively important and that they should be proud of me :)
Eppendork - I am not sure I want to go to any more of my own graduations, unless Hubby and I graduate at the same time - that could convince us :)
P.S. Thanks for delurking :)
The Man spoke at my husband's graduation several years ago (I think it was 2003), and it was the most memorable one I've heard.
Julie - having a well-known person talk ups the expectations, doesn't it? This one went pretty close to what I expected it to, but I still think I will remember it.
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