The Endgame

According to last night’s BBC‘s weather lady, it should be cloudy with occasional showers today. However, at 6am I am waked by rays of sunlight and mockingbirds.

Someone once told me that weather forecasts are like economics projections; one can always get it wrong and yet retain their job, as well as the public’s ear. I have returned to England after two months, but only for a few days – though very important days. I am graduating today.

Recently, I completed a week-long course in modern journalism, in which the famous Czech commentator Jindrich Sidlo urged us to avoid corny phrases and clichés at any cost; he even had a list of them. Following the advice, I will try to refrain in this reflection from closing chapters, opening new ones or calling this day the moment of truth. It is not easy, though. Even I, dressed in robes and mortar board, feel somewhat taken by the ceremonial pathos.  

The university campus is packed with parents, holding their cameras. It is them whom this day really belongs to. The graduands already know their exam results and have already given their farewell to friends and the student life when they left the university several weeks ago, with huge suitcases. Today, we all wear silly clothes because of our relatives, who have not been here for the last three years. No one from my family has been to York before. Like other students, I am pointing to objects, telling stories, inviting my family to the life that has just ended. Finally, the ceremony starts.  

The vice-chancellor, whom we have never seen before, seems in his speech very emotional about us leaving. He then stresses the societal role of education and universities in safeguarding freedom, democracy and progress. One by one we are called on the stage to get our degree certificate. Finally, the vice-chancellor gives a commencement speech. Only now do we suddenly realize how real all of this is; everyone seems to get nostalgic, feeling a vague sense of loss and solemn grandeur. The mood lightens soon after the end, though. Champagne is served and innumerable pictures taken. We are now graduates of the University of York.

Still, my student days are not terminated yet. After the summer, which I am spending with economic analyses at the Czech (equivalent of) the Cabinet office, I will resume my studies pursuing a master’s degree. Reading philosophy, politics and economics in York was nevertheless an exceptionally formative experience, for which I am grateful to The Kellner Family Foundation. I am leaving with a First class honours degree with distinction; it couldn’t even get better.

It has all been fantastic.

Epilog
Epilog

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