A Different Kind of Ending

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As I approached the stage at my graduation on Friday,  I began to consider where I might be if I had not undertaken this degree. In fact, there was a chance that I might not have gone to University at all, as I am the first person in my family to gain a degree and one of only a handful from my old primary school.  Although I like to think I would have found a job that I would enjoy, it would be such a shame to let my dream of teaching go simply because I was not brave enough to enroll in tertiary study.



It felt a little surreal returning to the University of Auckland city campus on Friday to graduate. I know that at other universities graduation is held at the end of the year, yet mine was held after I had finished my first term as a teacher. Although the celebration felt a little belated,  I really enjoyed catching up with my old classmates and I had a wonderful day.


The highlight of my Graduation was when I went to dinner with my family as we discussed my time in the classroom and what I had accomplished since gaining my degree. My Dad ended up creating a cake for my learners so that they could celebrate my success alongside me. They enjoyed hearing about my ceremony and particularly liked the cake which didn't last long at all!


I am so excited to see what I will accomplish next with this degree and my current postgraduate study. Although studying part time while teaching is difficult now, I can see how much it will pay off in the long run.

Comments

  1. Amy Tofa9 May 2016 at 20:51

    Congratulations on your graduation Danni and that cake looks delicious.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Danni Stone10 May 2016 at 07:43

      Thank you Amy, I think our students have left you a piece!

      Delete
  2. Fiona Grant9 May 2016 at 21:19

    Congratulations Danni, have enjoyed seeing all the photo's and celebrations over the past few days. Wonderful to be able to share this experience with your whānau, friends and learners.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Danni Stone10 May 2016 at 07:43

      Thank you Fiona! It's been great celebrating.

      Delete
  3. Unknown10 May 2016 at 09:25

    Congrats Danni! Wasn't it an awesome day, you looked great. I'm sure all involved were proud of you. Bring on the next one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Danni Stone12 May 2016 at 08:03

      Thanks Georgia! You looked gorgeous, I hope your ceremony went well :)

      Delete
  4. Heath Lewzey10 May 2016 at 16:54

    Congratulations Danni, it was great to have shared the ceremony with yourself and the others. It looked like you had an amazing day! Such a nice gesture of your Dad making a cake for your kids also!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Danni Stone12 May 2016 at 08:04

      It was Heath, it was wonderful seeing you all there!

      Delete
  5. Stef Parker11 May 2016 at 18:46

    Congrats Danni! Did you hear me cheering for you when you were up there!? Well done, and yes, the part-time study while working will be worth it.

    Stef

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Danni Stone12 May 2016 at 08:05

      Yeah! I was cheering for all of you guys, but not sure if you could hear me from the back! It was great seeing you all graduate.

      Delete
  6. Dorothy12 May 2016 at 23:18

    I love reading about the firsts you have experienced for your wnanau. And what a cool Dad you have :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Danni Stone14 May 2016 at 21:23

      Thank you Dorothy! It was a great experience and my younger siblings are now following in my footsteps. :)

      Delete

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