the GOOD ...
We had a most celebratory week with Allyson's graduation. The weather could not have been better if it had been special ordered and despite our inability to realize the minimalist approach to packing a kid off to college, it was great fun.
[I am renowned for my ingenious car/suv packing skills and am pretty handy with a suitcase too ... wink wink!]
the RANDOM ...
There was nothing 'random' about this past week. The entire process went like a well oiled machine, right down to the flowers and graduate bear sales at the ceremony. Each event started on time and finished on time and was thoroughly enjoyable (especially the South African limbo and the belly-dancers during the Baccalaureate). Never a dull moment.
the FUN ...
My nephew graduated from Vassar this year and elected to not participate in his graduation ceremony.
What's the fun in that?
To his credit, he finished up a semester early and started grad school - still, sometimes (and graduation ceremonies are one of those times) it is not ONLY about the graduate but about the family that got 'em there and back. Mind you, I am not throwing this stone too hard or harshly as I did not participate in my grad school graduation - but I am so glad I did for my undergraduate studies. At the time I was ho-hum about the whole soirée, but being able to look back at the pictures, seeing the pride on both my parent's faces - so worth it! Plus, I got to graduate with my sister, who like my nephew, finished mid-year, but came back to go through the ceremony
- priceless!
What's the fun in that?
To his credit, he finished up a semester early and started grad school - still, sometimes (and graduation ceremonies are one of those times) it is not ONLY about the graduate but about the family that got 'em there and back. Mind you, I am not throwing this stone too hard or harshly as I did not participate in my grad school graduation - but I am so glad I did for my undergraduate studies. At the time I was ho-hum about the whole soirée, but being able to look back at the pictures, seeing the pride on both my parent's faces - so worth it! Plus, I got to graduate with my sister, who like my nephew, finished mid-year, but came back to go through the ceremony
- priceless!
***
[click below to check-out other good.random.fun going on over at Random-osity]
huge congrats to you all!!! The weather was so perfect for this auspicious event!
ReplyDeleteI also didn't attend my garduation ceremony. Looks like this was a week of wonderful memories! And South African limbo! I am intrigued as a South African... Congratulations to your daughter and your whole family!
ReplyDeleteThe director of spiritual studies (or perhaps dean - I am not remembering at this moment) is from South Africa and at one point in the ceremony broke into a free style dance that my husband coined as a limbo. She was an amazing speaker, deeply committed educator, and spirited leader and at one juncture in the event encouraged the girls to get up and move. (the whole ceremony was sprinkled with dance from different cultures). Honestly, I could easily sit and listen to this woman talk and talk - her passion and energy (and accent) simply enchanting.
DeleteGoodness, I meant to write graduation...
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the graduates................ lovely roses too.
ReplyDeleteWell, some of the ceremonies I have been to recently were not worth participating in anyway. Sadly, when my daughter graduated from nursing school this year (2nd degree) was an example. First the audience did not behave at all. Yacking on cell phones and to each other light no one was speaking. Getting up and buying snacks to eat while sitting there than leaving the trash all over the place. Of course using the speeches as a political platforms - but that is nothing new. And this was at a private college! Hopefully Vassar audience would have a better decorum. My friend's son graduated from community college and she said everyone behaved there.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post; beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteTamar, when I finished my masters degree, my hubby made me go through the ceremony. He said I needed to be able to walk up for my diploma after so much hard work.....and I was 50!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your daughter's graduation. Such a blessing to have perfect weather for an outdoor graduation. I still remember my high school and college graduations and loved they were held outside. In a neighboring town, if you opt to finish high school early, you aren't allowed to participate in the Spring graduation ceremonies - there was an article in the paper concerning this and how the student(s) want to change that practice. It really is a special time and I know your daughter will look back at the photos fondly.
ReplyDeleteThank you Shirley. Allyson was excited to participate in her graduation - at Wellesley there is a week of graduation events - they do a spectacular job.
DeleteCongrats to Allyson!
ReplyDeleteSO much to celebrate Nicky! congrats...life is good!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS!!! Neat shot of Wellesley - and love that the ceremonies were lively!
ReplyDelete