As you know I’ve been back in Toronto for Sam’s graduation for the past 12 days. I’m finding it hard to believe that my daughter Sam is graduating from university.
Crazier is that she’s 23 and Zach 25…. Whaaaaat?!
The years have flown by and I’m so proud of her and all that she’s accomplished over the course of her life. From elite soccer player representing her country to High School valedictorian and now her degree from one of the most prestigious schools in Canada.
Sam is working over the summer as she prepares for her master’s program in London (UCL) beginning in September.
I just know that she will be successful in whatever she decides to do post her graduate studies in the UK next year.
As well, she’s interested in returning to play soccer and is planning on trying out for the University team when she arrives in London this September.
I’m so proud of her, like most parents we always want the best for our children and encourage them at every turn but with Sam she was always self-motivated in everything that she’s done.
Initially she didn’t want to attend the graduation, but I’m so glad that we encouraged her.
I sort of feel bad to be honest as when she was wavering my comment to her was that I’m coming from Australia and wouldn’t miss it for anything…
Sometimes it’s not about you I explained, the graduation is about the satisfaction your mother and I get from seeing you accomplish something special.
Eventually, she relented and agreed to attend.
Bad dad!
I would have been disappointed if she hadn’t wanted to go but would have accepted it as her decision although it would have been bittersweet.
Part of the excitement of this past week was me going shopping with her to buy a nice outfit for her graduation. We spent a few hours exploring stores and Sam trying on a range of things.
Eventually she found a gorgeous top to go under the gown which looked fabulous on her graduation day.
Interestingly, it was the opportunity to spend time with her and spoil her a little that I enjoyed leading up to the graduation. Just strolling and talking like we used to… so good!
When she found what she was looking for I said I was going to buy it for her, but she refused.
As I said to her, “I rarely have the opportunity to do something like this, so please just let me pay”. She finally agreed after a bit of haggling.
Talk about a hard sell!
Graduation day dawned, and the kids mum was kind enough to drive all four of us up to Waterloo for the ceremony.
It had been a long time since the four of us had been together, fortunately both Zach and Sam were talkative during our two-hour drive and made it go quickly.
We lunched at Sam’s favourite restaurant that she’d often go with her mum during her visits.
After a delicious lunch we dropped Sam on campus so she could go pick up her gown (strangely, no hat) while we walked around a local mall.
The weather leading up to graduation had been cool and cloudy, but the day of gradation was a gorgeous blue sky with mild temperatures… perfect for the photos afterwards.
Given the size of her cohort (approx. 200) we had assigned seating inside the auditorium with a great view of the stage.
An awesome touch from the University was the inclusion of the traditional owners of the land where the school is located.
They had an elder welcome the students and guests to the convocation then the the Cedar Hill Singers started the ceremony with a drumming circle.
Quite a moving experience.
Her graduation consisted of the Ph.D. graduates, Masters grads and finally the undergrads for the Mathematics faculty.
I know that during my grad, and Zach’s last December they called each individual student onstage to accept their degree from the Chancellor, however this wasn’t the case with Sam.
Her class size wouldn’t allow for that many students to get through in the allotted time, so they literally called out each student’s name as they walked quickly across the stage.
Although a quick walk doesn’t seem like much it was great to see her walk confidently across stage and wave to us in the crowded stands.
Another treasured memory to hold close to me.
They now both have the foundation to take their careers to the next level and become who they are supposed to be. I have no doubt that they will be successful in in whatever they now choose to do.
As a father I’m not sure there is anything more gratifying than to see you kids achieve and thrive, especially when it’s based on their hard work.
I realize that I’m extremely lucky to have two great kids and feel truly blessed.
Until next week
Ciao!
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