So, its done. It’s complete. It’s all over!
After 4 years, I’ve finally finished university. For young students, the prospects of the future are both exciting and terrifying. Trust me, its no different for us mature students!
I’m excited about my future. I’m also terrified about it. What will the future hold? Will I get a job that realises my potential? What will prospective employers think when I tell them my story? How will I be seen as, a graduate or an experienced professional with added value of having a current degree?
All very exciting and scary!
Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice, heart, and intuition. – Steve Jobs
That’s what Steve said during a graduation speech in 2005 and it feels as true today. For a mature student, I believe it feels even more appropriate. I may be older than other students graduating. That makes me special. I am more experienced than other students graduating. That makes me unique. I am as excited about my future as other students graduating. That makes me human.
In my time at university, I went for the ‘full experience’ or at least, as ‘full’ as a family man could be. But I went through the laughter, pain, stress and worry that my fellow students broached. I initially, like many older people, though ‘student life’ consisted of beans, partying, learning acoustic guitar and cramming for exams. And to some it can be. But for most, it’s one of the most eye-opening, stressful and pressured times of life. I loved and hated every minute. But I watch my friends grow in strength just as I did. I saw commitment, persistence and such a need to achieve the best they could, just like I tried.
So, I come away, not only with a degree in ‘Information Systems’ but also with friendships, respect, loyalty and trust, in peers that are quite literally half my age, but just as determined to be the best they can. For that I am grateful. For that I feel proud.
Our graduation day is 18th July 2016. It will be a very emotional day for many reasons. But most of all, it will at last be one day when I can be proud of my achievements and not embarrassed to show it.
Good luck to all of you who are awaiting your final results and I wish you nothing but the best of life. You deserve it. WE earned it!