I am yet to think about my graduation from university. Barely a term into studying politics, the thought of wearing a long gown and mortarboard in over two and a half years time is a long way off. There is such a journey to experience and so much, academic and personal, to learn and enjoy before hand. Besides, two and a half years ago, the 2017 general election had just taken place. Look how much - good and bad - has happened since then. While I’m sure the day itself will bring much joy and closure, it doesn’t feature anywhere in my mind. That was the case, until I had the opportunity to steward a graduation ceremony at Warwick. Following my recent appointment as an events steward at Warwick Arts Centre, I received the chance to assist with their winter ceremonies celebrating Masters and Doctoral students. Taking place over four days, there were a grand total of eight ceremonies, due to an increase in the admissions of students. I was only able to assist with a single ceremony because of my academic schedule, but I am extremely pleased to have done so. It was their final morning ceremony - a Friday - meaning I was stewarding with people who had done plenty throughout the week. Our main role was to help seat the guests of each graduate and ensure there were no disruptions that would prevent the ceremony from going to plan. The graduation took place in Butterworth Hall, the concert hall on campus that can seat over a thousand people. Naturally, this was to be the location, with the theatre and smaller studio areas being no compensation for size and popularity of the occasion. The hall had been specially prepared beforehand, with lovely flowers, grand chairs and a ramp for graduates to access. On every seat was a programme featuring the running order and name of every individual that was to officially become an alumni of Warwick University that morning. Our structure of events was different from that of normal shifts. The volume of stewards was far greater, all strategically dotted around the hall to guide people towards the correct location. We had to make sure guests and graduates arrived from different entrances; there was plenty to consider to ensure the whole event weaved together smoothly. I found it fascinating to go backstage to one of the dressing rooms, where, just on the right hand side, featured the entrance to the stage. It was of great importance that we didn’t accidentally step on! My main role was simply as a reassuring individual guiding people towards their seats. There were stewards of far greater expertise who could specifically seat people; my job was simply to send them up the stairs and ensure reserved seating remained reserved. At points I felt like I was working on an aeroplane as part of the cabin crew, guiding people in the correct direction and playing a small part to ensure nothing went wrong. From my side, I can report that all was positive. Nearly all the people I saw were happy, responded well to my ‘Good Morning’ message and were understanding when I explained some seating was prohibited to ordinary guests. I could sense both anticipation and relief in the room; anticipation for what the future would hold - both from parents and graduates - yet relief to have completed the university experience and gained the necessary qualifications. The whole event, from my perspective, almost seemed quite childlike. Throughout university, one learns about the importance of independence and entering adulthood. Yet the experience felt like I had returned to secondary school, primary school even. Graduates were waving to their parents, getting them to take photos. The parents and guests seemed ever so proud and amazed by what had been achieved. I was asked where the graduates could sit (even though they had been allocated a seat) and whether they could nip to the toilet. These quirks I think exposed the great sense of fulfilment and content felt by all. For weeks, months, years even, the whole focus for the graduates had been their degree. This was clearly a qualification they all wanted to pass. Similarly, each of their parents must have thought every day about their child’s degree, even if they were separated by thousands of miles. The graduation ceremony allowed parent and child to come together in celebration at what had been achieved. The constant clapping and cheering I think exposed the inner child that is in us all. I was pleased at the level of tradition and history within the ceremony. Part of my role was stewarding the procession into the hall, which was made up of university academics dressed in extravagantly coloured robes with one individual carrying a mace. We had to ensure no passerby interrupted or walked through the procession, for they were taking the ‘dry route’ out on the main campus. It helped to make the experience so much more formalised, recognising the importance of this day in the history of Warwick over 50 years. The ceremonial aspects made me realise the weight given to the celebration - the time spent was not just about attaining the degree but a celebration of the whole university experience. Much of ceremony was the same: plenty of clapping, applause, whooping, hand shaking and receiving of certificates. There were honorary degrees awarded, plenty of speeches and a whole list of names, with the morning accompanied by a talented band and fantastic choir. Bidding farewell to departing parents, I could see the look at joy and pleasure with how the ceremony had gone. Now was time for them to reflect with their children before looking to the future, both in terms of employment and entering the ‘real world.’ But they can certainly look back on the hour or so of recognition fondly as a just conclusion of their university studies. I just hope my graduation ceremony in a few years matches up to what I was proud to steward this week.
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