I honestly still can’t believe where the time went. What do you mean by it’s been a whole decade since I graduated from the University of Leeds with a BSc (Hons) in Economics? HUH!
I do have so much to say and I doubt a single blog post can capture everything I have to say. It seriously wouldn’t!
I remember days leading up to my graduation, I was quite anxious, deeply unhappy and wondering should I attend this ceremony or not? One would ask but why? Because A LOT happened during my undergraduate days that I still am not sure I want to share (at least not yet) but the bottomline is I did not graduate with the class/grade I wanted and for me, that was DEVASTATING! I remember the joy I felt when I finished JHS (Junior High School) and SHS (Senior High School) in Ghana. But on the 12th July 2016 which is the day I graduated I was sad – but I just had to keep up appearances – smile for the camera and all but I was dying inside.
I remember an acquaintance from campus at the time called me days before my graduation convincing me to attend my graduation regardless and no matter what, I should be proud of myself – but proud of what? I wasn’t! I remember getting an email a week before my graduation that I had won the Dean’s Prize of Citizenship which was supposed to be exciting or a motivating factor for me to attend (the award came with a cash prize) but I still was not very much convinced. I honestly did not know what made me change my mind on the morning of the 12th July but I was like FUCK IT, LET’S DO THIS – after I had spent most part of the night tossing and turning in bed. I was ready to let the photography and the gown I had paid for all go to waste because it just did not feel right!
I showed up, collected my certificate, took pictures, took my award and left!
My University of Leeds experience will NEVER leave me! If I were to go back, there are some few things I will do differently DEFINITELY eg. staying on campus instead of commuting from home, doing a joint honours degree and maybe join one or two societies. But HEAVY on the first one! But all in all, life and its experiences, the more we live, the more we learn I guess. Leeds gave me more than a degree – I won scholarships (a summer school scholarship and a research & leadership scholarship), won awards (Dean’s Prize for Citizenship, Student Impact Award, Partnership Award, M&S Award for Outstanding Presentation on CSR), attended student events/conferences, got involved in lots of extra curricular activities – still have all my certificates with me! What more could I ask for? MORE ACTUALLY!
Grateful for friends like Dasola, who I met in my 1st year in Leeds and has been consistently supportive especially between 2nd and final year when I went through one of the most difficult periods in my life – and still a very good friend till date! I appreciate you girl and I LOVE YOU!
I could go on and on but as I reflect 10 years later, I am grateful for life. I am grateful that I am doing the things I love and still figuring things out and still enjoying life. I am not where I want to be at all – but I have grown, learned a lot and I am still learning. Thank you University of Leeds for the EXPERIENCE and particularly to the Leeds University Business School for the opportunities, the support and guidance throughout my studies. The journey continues!
*I have never posted my Bachelors graduation pictures on social media but 10 years later, here you go!*
I TOLD YALL I WON AWARDS!
I hope you enjoyed reading! See you soon with another blogpost. Stay blessed!
Gertrude says...... 