Graduating in a Pandemic – Class of 2020

My part virtual / part traditional graduation!

Amy is stood smiling next to the University of Worcester sign. She is dressed in her graduation cap and gown ready to graduate!

When the government announced that social distancing restrictions were not being lifted earlier in June – it was safe to say, I was not happy, least of all because I knew the graduation ceremony would be socially distanced. Instead of having my loved ones in Worcester Cathedral, they would be watching a live broadcast. Like most of the past two years, it would be a blended approach between the digital and real life. I felt cheated of the graduation that should have taken place last November, and now this one, which we had all been so excited about. Of course, in reality, this is a small sacrifice when we consider the devastating effects of COVID-19, so, eventually after a few self- pitying tweets, I decided to get on board with a socially distanced graduation. And I’m glad I did because it turned out to be a great day.

The day began with meeting up with family, who due to the various restrictions and lockdowns I’d not been able to see so much since the COVID-19 outbreak. From there, the day was such a blur of celebrations, catching up and cocktails, that it was difficult to take much notice of the fact the graduation was a socially distanced event. We did all the things you’d expect at a graduation: I collected my academic robes, and my family were allowed to be there – the only difference was that we all wore face coverings and ensured we sanitised a lot. We then moved on to photography, before heading outside and enjoying Worcester in the sunshine.

This is an image of Amy walking along the river in her cap and gown. She has her back to us and is looking at the river.

The part of the day that differed most from the traditional graduation hosted by the University, was when I headed to the Cathedral and my loved ones made their way to the University of Worcester Arena to watch a live broadcast of the graduation. Before the ceremony, I had thought this would be the part I resented most about a socially distanced graduation, however, I was pleasantly surprised. The team in charge of the live broadcast and the camera team had clearly put a lot of thought into making a really interactive event. You’d be sitting, daydreaming or pulling a face at a friend, and suddenly you’d see yourself on multiple screens – which made you laugh and gave you the chance to wave at those in the arena. It felt like those at the arena were there – even though they physically weren’t.

The Cathedral was as beautiful as it has always been, and when I was called forward to graduate, I felt proud, not only of myself but of the entire graduating class of 2020 and of the university, who were the first to host face to face graduations.

Amy is stood in the middle and is surrounded by her academic lecturers. All are dressed in their graduation cap and gowns however Amy has changed her shoes to a pair of flip flops!

So, my final thoughts on graduating in a pandemic … It was difficult to complete a degree during lockdown and it’s been a tough 18 months for everyone, but graduation brought a lot of friends and families together to celebrate achievements and that was much needed for the graduating class of 2020. One final piece of wisdom – if you’re going to wear incredibly uncomfortable shoes, make sure you have some flip flops to change into!

I hope you enjoyed this blog, let me know if you have any questions! Comment below or message us on Instagram!

Thanks,

Amy x