Convocation is an exciting time; everyone is dressing up and donning gowns - each with a different coloured sash depending on your program.
As I got a 鈥淗arvard Red鈥� sash placed over my head, the gown fitting assistant remarked that she hadn鈥檛 seen that colour yet and asked what program I was graduating from. With a big smile on my face, I replied, 鈥淛ournalism!鈥�
On Feb. 26, 2025, I got to walk across the stage and formally accept my bachelor鈥檚 degree in journalism. Yes, I have been working for the Comox Valley Record since July of 2024, but there are no ceremonies in the fall after I finished my course work in August. Instead, I had to wait until February and have the wrong year accompany the tassel on my graduation cap.
After getting my gown, sash and special with distinction medal put around my neck, I made my way to the main building to join a line of graduates who radiated joy and anxiousness. I was number 244 in the long lines of people who were no longer students.
Five journalism students were graduating during this convocation. I am the only one who is currently working in journalism and to my dismay, I found that my fellow program graduates had no interest in pursuing a job in that field.
Interviewing people was the most anxiety-inducing thing within the group and while I agree that it has always been the thing that I had to work hardest at, I鈥檝e practiced the craft so much that it now is second nature.
While we awaited the start of the progression into the main hall where we would walk the stage, I became nervous. The dean went over how we would get to the stage, how to proceed to him for a picture and then walk the rest of the way off and back to our seats. Would I remember everything he just said? I felt for the first few graduates as they would have to wing it while I could sit back and observe to know what I was doing.
As we walked from the main building towards the hall in which the ceremony would take place, staff members cheered us on with noise makers, yelling 鈥淐ongratulations!鈥� and several people taking pictures and videos of us. I felt both my blood pressure and nervousness levels ramping up.
We were seated around friends and family who came out to celebrate the day with us. The processional heads of programs made their way down the aisle along with the Elder in residence. Opening remarks from the dean were made all the while my anxiety started to become apparent and I felt like I was sitting outside my body for a while.
After all the introductions of people on stage, greetings from the Elder and a special version of O Canada was played via video and the student address, the beginning of the graduates started to take the stage.
This is where everything sped up to twice regular speed in my head. While I was graduate 244 out of at least 300, it felt like I was number 15. As I approached the stage, I handed off my name card to the assistant and then heard my name called as I crossed to the dean. I pivoted so that my picture could be taken and then I finished my walk. As I passed the facility from the journalism program, I heard cheers and saw them clapping. I gave them a wave and smile and happily made my way off the platform without tripping. This is why I wear flats.
There was still a rush in my head as I walked back down the aisle and back to my chair. It was over and I was officially done with Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). I made it.
Afterwards, I met with the journalism faculty to take pictures and received a beautiful KPU Journalism mug. Pictures were taken and I was asked many questions on my experiences so far working with the Record.
I had made a huge move to be here in Courtenay, to take this job and start my dream of being a journalist and the faculty asked if I was still happy with making the move. Most graduates want to stay in the Lower Mainland and dismiss moving to work in the field.
I am happy I made the move. I鈥檝e made the Valley community my home and I love it here.
