After three years of tears and stress but equally wonderful laughs and what have been the best three years of my life, I have Graduated.
It's weird. It feels like I now have closure to this chapter of my life, yet at the same time I feel like I'm not quite ready to leave academia and to leave York behind. It has not been an easy ride by any means, but I have met some truly incredible human beings that I love so much and hold very dearly to my heart. Its going to be so hard not seeing my sociology friends every day! Its also going to be hard saying goodbye to York, the city I have loved and called my home for three years. York is where I have made a life for myself, and now I'm back in the town I grew up in, in my bedroom in my parents' house. Don't get me wrong, I love them to bits and I'm so grateful to be here, but it does feel somewhat like a step back. Nobody prepares you for grad life, you just have to find your own feet in the world and figure out what comes next.
But I did do it, and my Graduation was a perfect day. The best way to say goodbye to undergraduate life. I got to wear a fancy gown and hat and high heels and I have never been so proud of myself.
I stayed in a B&B Guest House in Fulford for two nights with my parents. My Brother was also able to make it and stayed in a nearby Air B&B. On the first day, I took my Mum and Dad to the Cosy Club on Fossgate, where I was given a complimentary glass of prosecco for graduating! We had delicious food, I ate a Thai Veggie Burger (quinoia and peppers and yummy goodness)! We then spent the afternoon in the City center, having a little potter around and sitting by the river before heading to Brew & Brownie for an afternoon treat (hello Chocolate Orange Brownie and a Mocha topped with cream and marshmallows).
Then Graduation day arrived! I woke up how Anna does in Frozen when she realises its Coronation Day. I donned a pretty dress, heels and a handbag and curled my hair before heading over to Uni. The day was perfect but was all a bit of a blur - it went so fast! I saw and had photos with my friends, went on stage to shake hands with the Chancellor and was given my degree certificate. I got a whopping 85% on my dissertation, giving me a nice high 2:1 of 67% overall, it was an occasion worth celebrating! For dinner, I took my family to Lendal Cellars for some yummy pub grub. I had a pulled pork burrito with nachos and chips, which was incredible. Some of my friends were also in Lendal Cellars so we had drinks together and it was a fantastic way to end the day.
I have learned so much throughout my time at university and I have met some incredible people who I refuse to lose touch with. Here's to a bright future!
DISCLAIMER: I stole most of these photos from my friends
Peace and Love xo
