The final hurrah.

I successfully managed to find a host of reasons to celebrate my PhD journey – first draft, submission, Viva, qualification award….(and why not, it’s important to mark each milestone!) but last week was the last one. The final hurrah. The graduation day at the University of Stirling. I actually wasn’t sure I wanted to attend the ceremony. I’d earned my qualification and that was the goal, but my partner persuaded me otherwise. It was a good call. Despite the 32 degree heat and trying to survive the burning air in a long, thick robe and hood, (my immunosuppressant medication makes managing the heat and the sun a bit of a challenge) I really enjoyed my big moment. I was first up to receive my award, with the Chancellor (former first minister of Scotland, Jack McConnell) doffing his hat and calling me Doctor. I set the tone with my somewhat excited celebrations, and by coming off the stage the wrong way… Thankfully the graduates behind me didn’t follow!

I guess I must have savoured the moment.

If you’re thinking about further education then I’d fully recommend it. This has been a wonderful journey; Stirling is a beautiful campus and my supervisors were both fabulous. I’ve achieved something I never thought possible as a working-class single parent living in a council scheme. Don’t let people define you, shape yourself and mould into whatever you know will work for you, despite the doubters.

You’re never too mature to be a student – although on three separate occasions at the graduation (before I put my robes on) I was told that guests weren’t allowed in the graduands areas. Too old for some to be graduating, but definitely not too stupid!

What next, I wonder..

@margotmcc

Finally, it was graduation day at Stirling University and although it’s been a long time since I submitted my thesis last August and passed my viva in November it was the day where it all became official official official. Thanks to everyone who supported me in my aim (achieved) to do a PhD in two years. Very proud of my wee working class self who has been through enough life challenges for things to have turned out very differently. As a good friend of mine once said, if you want something in life, just go for it (Rose Reilly) 💖👩‍🎓🎓 . #graduation #PhDDoctor #maturestudent #womenempowerment

♬ Summer Time – Syafeea library