An English Ceremony

A little over two years after starting my MA degree programme in Intercultural Communication in Europe at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, I have finally graduated!

The ceremony took place on Tuesday, November 6th in Cambridge. The four of us - Adeline who came back from Oman with us, her mom Claudie who came over from Provence, CW and I - all took the train up in the morning. Around lunchtime we got decked out in our graduation robes and wandered around Kings College of Cambridge University for some pictures.

Graduates at last...

Adeline and I, soon to be Masters

Posing at King's College

Adeline with her mom, Claudie (don't worry Claudie, I cut out the shoes!)

The ceremony, which lasted about two hours, was quite a typical graduation ceremony. After a series of speeches we all lined up and took our turns crossing the stage, stopping only to shake hands with the Pro-Vice Chancellor of the university.

We were honoured with the presence of a well-known biographer Hilary Spurling, who is famous for her biography of Matisse, and who received an Honourary Doctorate. Simon Schama, well-known author and historian was also present to receive an Honourary Doctorate. Both gave interesting short speeches. Simon Schama, specialist in Ruskin and Victorian culture and art, enlightened us with a few facts about John Ruskin, the university's namesake.

After the ceremony we caught up with our programme Director and Professor, Dr Anne Ife for a quick photo.

Though quick and almost surreal, it was a very special day. Thank you to everyone who supported me throughout this degree! I couldn't have done it without you all! And I am so fortunate to have been able to experience it with so many wonderful other students and professors who made the experience so much more enlightening!

And my most heartfelt thanks and appreciation beyond words to you, bo, for your patience, help, guidance, understanding, faith and unrelenting love, always.