Graduation Night
Overall, today was pretty good. It was kind of muggy so I was feeling intermittently sweaty, but I managed to get quite a bit done in the interim. Dad and I headed into uni to get my academic gown and tickets for tonight's graduation ceremony, and I also took the opportunity to collect my poetry portfolio. Some of the comments are a bit odd, but I got my 6, so mustn't complain... lol. Afterwards, I managed to get most of my hair colour back with a haircut, and headed home to inspect how to put on the gown. Let me tell you--if I hadn't run into Ben and Leanne at the UQ Centre later on (amidst a brief downpour), I would have had NO IDEA how the hood piece is supposed to go; there aren't any instructions on the academic dress website, and it's such an unusual garment... I should have watched the video that was playing as I passed the gown hire room--that looked like it might have been informative.
Anyhow--it was a rather grand ceremony, but then I'd expect nothing less from UQ. I knew my sister was laughing every time the academic senate members addressed each other, because they would touch the front of their hats. :-P Lots of clapping for individual names being read out, and a bit of catching up with a few friends; far fewer than I thought would have graduated with us, but oh well. The cylinder handed out, as has been reported, is something of a gyp ('cos it's empty. lol), but it's a nice symbol and we DID end up getting our degrees after doing a discreet circuit around the hall. It's funny that even after all this time, our lives are ruled by pieces of paper--one that announces you to the dean of the university, which leads to another that has a fancy graduation seal on it (and yet another with your academic record; which is nice because it has the same forge-proof plastic window in it that our currency notes do, but I'd already printed out the details when I last applied for work at Coles-Myer). The nibblies afterwards were nice, but the drinks were not free, which was disappointing. lol. At least I got to graduate with a few good friends and see some lecturers dressed up in funny gear, which was awesome. :-)
Afterwards, I checked my mail to discover the contact list for QSE 2008. Interestingly, 3 out of the 4 guys who auditioned (including me) are all apprentices! Also, cool Liz who auditioned with me made the cut. :-) As did Ruby (business manager for Much Ado), who managed to become a core ensemble member, which is awesome; I wonder if I would have been afforded the same position if I'd decided to apply for both core and apprentice? I worry now, 'cos it means she gets the acting parts and paid, and I may still have to fight two very talented guys in case apprentices get offered roles... lol. Meanwhile, I have to learn another monologue before the training intensive at Straddie next year; I should ask Colin to recommend another one. *makes note*
Anyhow--it was a rather grand ceremony, but then I'd expect nothing less from UQ. I knew my sister was laughing every time the academic senate members addressed each other, because they would touch the front of their hats. :-P Lots of clapping for individual names being read out, and a bit of catching up with a few friends; far fewer than I thought would have graduated with us, but oh well. The cylinder handed out, as has been reported, is something of a gyp ('cos it's empty. lol), but it's a nice symbol and we DID end up getting our degrees after doing a discreet circuit around the hall. It's funny that even after all this time, our lives are ruled by pieces of paper--one that announces you to the dean of the university, which leads to another that has a fancy graduation seal on it (and yet another with your academic record; which is nice because it has the same forge-proof plastic window in it that our currency notes do, but I'd already printed out the details when I last applied for work at Coles-Myer). The nibblies afterwards were nice, but the drinks were not free, which was disappointing. lol. At least I got to graduate with a few good friends and see some lecturers dressed up in funny gear, which was awesome. :-)
Afterwards, I checked my mail to discover the contact list for QSE 2008. Interestingly, 3 out of the 4 guys who auditioned (including me) are all apprentices! Also, cool Liz who auditioned with me made the cut. :-) As did Ruby (business manager for Much Ado), who managed to become a core ensemble member, which is awesome; I wonder if I would have been afforded the same position if I'd decided to apply for both core and apprentice? I worry now, 'cos it means she gets the acting parts and paid, and I may still have to fight two very talented guys in case apprentices get offered roles... lol. Meanwhile, I have to learn another monologue before the training intensive at Straddie next year; I should ask Colin to recommend another one. *makes note*