On Wednesday, the 27th of December, 2025, I caught the train to the graduation with a friend. We arrived at the Adelaide Convention Centre early to pick up a new hat and gown. There was a big, grand room with so many students, about 750 in total. It was very crowded. We had to get in the queue because I had a few problems with getting tickets for my family. There were students everywhere! It was a bit overwhelming. We got into the costume section and had support from Flinders Connect volunteers. I had asked for a short gown as I’m not very tall, and she was a wonderful helper! We then moved into the next hat section. I was a bit anxious about doing the hat fitting, as I have two magnets in my head or skull. I was worried it wouldn’t fit me! We moved on to go into the big, massive hall where I would later graduate.

We had help from Flinder Connect staff for a practice rehearsal, and these staff were exceptional, with each one of them. I got allocated to fit in the front row, seat one! I’m number one, of course! I started thinking I should go barefoot on stage, as I might fall over. The Flinders Connect staff had approved this request; however, because there were tapes on rows of wire below on the graduation platform floor. I was worried I might get stuck up there! And that wouldn’t be too good, would it – I changed my mind.

I was first up, ‘Catherine Plush’, and I knew I had to move forward! Oh my goodness. Time to move… I shook hands with the chancellor, Mr. John Hood. He was very calm, friendly, and helped with what I needed to do next – hold the certificate and look at the camera to get the photo taken. I then walked off stage, and everyone clapped!

I managed to get off the stage without embarrassing myself with any falls.

I felt so proud and relieved to graduate, at last! All the things I have done to get to this point are unbelievable. My first ever graduation. Well, that’s not actually true… I will be writing about my Foundations Studies Course in my next post! Stay tuned, soon.