The proof
In front of a worldwide audience of two (that I know of) I shook the vice chancellor’s hand today and received my Master’s degree. The ceremony took place in the wonderful Guildhall where, previously, Mirinda and I had dinner when she worked for that other company. Oddly it mentioned not eating in the programme for today.
The problem with these things (having taken part in two) is the long, long list of graduands that have to be read out. Each name has to be clapped (twice for the PHD students) and a long session of sitting has to be endured. Still, it’s wonderful to be included and gives a special finish to all the hard work.
Poor mum and dad watched the live feed (it started late so they were huddled around their PC from 11pm until well after midnight) and sat through some of the most bizarre names ever uttered in the history of graduations. A couple of gems were Oluwakemi Titilop Debbie Akinsanya and Oziomachukwu Chikaodili Okafor but my favourites were one that sounded like Unique Lemon and another like Risky Mohammed. I felt sorry for the people who had to read them all out. Still, they managed really well and must be sighing with relief now it’s over.
I was just glad when I finally arrived home and could take my shoes off. I hate wearing ‘real’ shoes. My gout hates it too.
After the ceremony, Mirinda and I went to a lovely little pub called the Watling for a pint and a half to celebrate and then parted, her for a cab to the flat and me for Bank station and the long drudge home. I say drudge because I just managed to get on the peak hour train with the hordes of other men in suits and woman with big bags that bash you in the head as they try and walk down the ridiculously tiny aisles in the carriages.
Graduating at Guildhall
We loved it and would have not missed it for the world and so proud of you we are fit to bursting. After all the waiting for your name you went by in a flash, and that guy, the Vice chancellor, he said the same speech for you as he did for the 10 am lot of students. Still would have been hard to learn another I suppose,and dad and I had a laugh with some of the names. Did not have a problem with yours. I have emailed the family telling them all about it. All our love our clever son.
mum xx
I tried to give a quick smile to the camera just for you!
Gary
Congratulations, to our clever son in law and friend. We also watched till your presentation. It was about 25 to one am. I had my head resting on a pillow but I was determined to wait. How wonderful and so well deserved. Love to you all, Claire
Congratulations Master!! Well deserved (and don’t you look smart – I’m sorry your feet were smarting though) xx Karen & Nigel
Thank you. Yes, the damned gout has ruined me for shoes.
Gary