On Wednesday, the 27th of December, 2025, I caught the train to graduation with a friend. We arrived at the Adelaide Convention Centre early to pick up the hat and gown. There was a big, grand room with so many students, about 700 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 people everywhere! It was a bit overwhelming. We got into the costume section and had support from the volunteers. I asked for a short gown as I’m not very tall, and she was a wonderful helper! We then moved into the hat section. I was a bit anxious about the hat fitting, as I have two magnets in my scalp. I was worried it wouldn’t fit me! We moved on to go into the big hall where I would later graduate.

We had help from Flinder Connect staff for a rehearsal, and these staff were exceptional! each one of them. I got allocated to fit in the front row, seat 1! I’m number one, of course! I started thinking I may have to go barefoot as I might fall over. The Flinders Connect staff approved this request; however, because there was tape on the graduation floor, I was worried I might get stuck up there! And that wouldn’t be too good, would it – only joking.

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

I felt so proud and relieved to graduate! All the things I had done to get to this point is 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.