On Monday I officially graduated. I dressed myself up in an oversized cap and gown, concentrated really hard on not falling in my heels while strolling across the stage at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, gave a little doff to the Chancellor and was finally handed my piece of paper: Bachelor of Design (Architectural Studies). As one of my friends eloquently described: “This dainty little piece of paper represents years of exhaustive dedication, numerous pen strokes and thousands of ideas, together with a hoard of friendships and memories.”
This whole semester was a rollercoaster of emotions that I was not expecting. For some unknown reason it was incredibly difficult to comprehend usually simple tasks in my assessment. For the most part it was like there some looming voice in my ear that just kept repeating: “if you do not pass, you will not graduate”. Of course now I am wondering why I put so much pressure on myself.
It sounds so cheesy, but I feel as though I am on the edge of the rest of my life now. I feel as though whatever my next step will be will significantly change everything as I know it. There are many options available to me and my new piece of paper now, but which one will give the best outcome long-term? Someone very wise told me that the most important thing is, if i’m going to say no to an option, don’t let it be because I was too scared to go for it.
In my very last lecture, I was left with this quote. It has haunted me ever since as it sums up exactly how I feel and everything I wished someone had told me on my first day at university. I think it is the perfect way to finish up the year.
