On September 10, 2015, my little sister Claire Beatitude Kaihunde Mategyero (I’m not the only one with the many names) graduated from the University of Herfortdshire. Now, I know cynics have thrown tomatoes at graduation ceremonies, proceeding to list all the problems fresh graduates face. But I’m an eternal optimist so nothing can bring me down from the joy I felt when Claire’s name was read out, and she walked to the front to pick her certificate.
The night before, we (Claire, our sister Bridget and I) stayed up late even after our parents, aunt and uncle said they’d pick us up at 6am. We were not ready by the time they picked us up of course; three girls sharing one bathroom means more prep time.
The ceremony and celebrations
The last graduation ceremony I attended was mine at Freedom Square Makerere. Anyone who has been at Freedom Square has to agree with me that the only thing that keeps you on a high that day is the pride of your family and getting to celebrate with all your classmates. The ceremony itself is not as exciting; they read people’s names too fast and the speeches seem to go on and on… then there’s the traffic!
Claire’s was an organised affair at St Albans Cathedral, complete with the organ playing, and a band playing music from the Princess Diaries (I kid not). It was beautiful. It made me nostalgic about Freedom Square though.
Every graduate walked to the front and received their certificate, while the family cheers on. Ours was the first family to ululate in true African fashion… but we had nothing on our brothers and sisters from West Africa! Props to them.
We got to celebrate Claire with lunch on one day, and dinner on another. That’s just how proud we are of our little graduate.
To Claire
Congratulations and we are proud of you. Yes, the real world is tough, but so are you. Yes, there are several business graduates, but none is you. So keep being the little go-getter you are, and we’ll celebrate many more of your milestones.
For now, let’s work on being the most outstanding grad students this year. Yes? Yes.
Congratulations Claire!Gosh how old do I feel?! Grace the years really rush by 🙂
They really do!
Thank you Clare 🙂
Awwww thank you dear Grace 🙂 yes we shall aim for the highest!
Congratulations to Claire! And how about getting some music played at our own ceremonies here…or is it already being done? I haven’t attended one in a long, long time! Nevertheless, you are going down onto my #UGblogDAY list!