Graduation Day
Today the graduates of the Faculty of Education class of 2009 will be walking across the stage to pick up their shiny new degrees. I will be there in spirit, if not in body. I am taking the gamble that I will get a call to supply in the next ten minutes. I didn't want to waste money on a gown rental, and then not be able to wear it. (You read that right: after spending over six grand in tuition and student fees alone, Queen's makes you rent your own graduation gown at the end of it all.) I am hardly going to turn down a paycheque for the chance to drive 206 km to Kingston one last time.
I didn't go to my first graduation from Queen's either. They have this ridiculous policy of finishing classes in April, and then not convocating you until June. When I finished my first degree, I was flat broke. I had enough money to either pay rent on my apartment for 1 month and hopefully find a job before I became homeless, or rent a storage locker for several months, swallow my pride, and go be unemployed in my parents' place in Newfoundland with the hopes of continuing my Ontario job search from there. Being more than a little risk averse when it comes to finance, I did the pride swallowing. Thus, I was a little too far away and a little too poor to make the trek back to Grant Hall for the convocation ceremony.
But rest assured, dear readers, I have indeed been granted my degree. I crossed all my Is and dotted my Ts, and managed to get honours wherever possible despite my inability to conceptualize.
I am now a teacher. An underemployed, unlicenced teacher, but these things take time.
Comments
Congratulations! It has been such a busy year for you but you did it as we knew you would. You've accomplished and seen a lot since your first convocation.
We're extremely proud of you and we know you will do well in your new choice of professions.
Between you, me and the lamppost, I'd be hoping for that phone call too! As we all know, universities do squat for the students but are in the business for what they can get for themselves.You are right, though, in questioning why they would make graduates pay for a gown rental with the fees they charge.
We'll have to celebrate when we get back! B&D
Posted by: Dee at June 4, 2009 08:22 AM
Congratulations! And here's hoping that you will soon be a full time underpaid teacher as well ;-)
I'm so proud of you. And I'm really really thrilled for all of the kids that will have the privilege of being taught by someone as talented, intelligent, funny, interesting, and genuinely caring as yourself!
Posted by: Heather at June 4, 2009 01:13 PM