Go to a Graduation!

Graduations are great! I think all of us need to get to a graduation once in a while (at least once a year). They really are fantastic events and provide a great opportunity to see the importance of our work. In our Division we get to see our students before they start at the university during the

 marketing process. Our international student support section gets to see students when they have problems (or when they are the problem!) and our alumni

 section when they have been out in the world. But graduation is the only point where we get t

o see the climax of the student’s and our hard work.

 

There is nothing better than seeing the pride on the faces of the student’s family and

 friends. Many of our students are the first member of their family to attend university. Universities are mysterious places for the

 family. The mystic of universities is enhanced at graduation when we put on our show of tradition and pageantry. Just

 think what all of this must look like from the outside from the viewpoint of someone who ha

s never stepped inside a university.

 

I think that all of us attending graduations get a real sense of pride – to see what our students have achieved.

 

I the past couple of weeks I have had the privilege to take

 part in two graduations one in Singapore and the other at Guangzhou. I enjoyed both of them immensely. For me the two best parts of graduation are seeing students cross the stage to pick up their degree and the other is at the end of the ceremony meeting families. In China this is particularly good. The whole family wants pictures with you (as you can see from this one!).

 

So when you feel down about the daily grind – go to a graduation you will see that your work is important and that you are making a difference.

 

Staff from the Division are more than welcome to attend any graduation at JCU. We will start publishing the dates of the ceremonies – so come along!