End of an Era: Graduation Day

Tuesday marked the end of an era! 

Yes, that's right... I finally Graduated! 

On Tuesday 17th November, I officially graduated from Southampton Solent University with a 1st Class BA Honours in Advertising. But the biggest surprise of all was being awarded a Digital Marketing Foundation Award with Digital Excellence - *insert shocked face emoji here* - despite the 70mph winds and rain, it was such a special day and I got to celebrate it with family, friends and my wonderful tutors. 

Looking a little windswept I must say! 

A little blurred but I couldn't of done it without these girls. Jump for joy! 

After seventeen years of education; eleven GCSE'S, three A-Levels and a 1st First Class Honours degree with the inclusion of a 10,000 word Dissertation, I've finally completed my education! Over the last three years there were so many times that I thought about throwing in the towel; from the early morning starts in the library and the agoniser number of deadlines that came at the what felt like the end of every day to coming up with 100+ ideas for one advertising campaign and making sure that you knew of every new advertising campaign that hit our screens. Oh the woes of an Advertising student ay! 

But I got there in the end, and with only a couple of grey hairs! 

Honestly going to university was always a goal for me, even though I kept changing my mind about what I actually wanted to do there. I knew I wanted to do something in Media, that was it. I went from Graphic Design, through all media courses until I found Advertising. When I packed up my life and headed down the open road to Southampton, I realised that this was the right thing to do for me. And now three years later, after a few ups and downs, University is over and was one of the best things I think I'll ever experience. 

I must say the weather was awful on Tuesday (Storm Barney hit us with a vengeance) and I felt like and looked like a drowned rat and the line "why did I bother doing my hair?" was used alot but it didn't dampen my spirits - no pun intended. I was a Graduate. 

During the run up to this day I was pretty calm and filled with excitment. It wasn't until I stood waiting to go up on stage and the tutor stood at the bottom of the stairs said "if you're going to fall over at any point, now would be a good time to do it because they aren't filming this bit" - thanks of that advice I really appreciated it. Not. But walking up onto the stage and across it (in high heels. #Brave.) was one of the most nerve-racking yet exciting times, I'll ever experience. But I have to say my goal for Graduation Day was achieved, I didn't end up falling flat on my face on stage in front of everyone. Even if my dad and besties' dad were taking bets on which one of us would most likely fall over on stage first. Cheers Guys. So much faith. 

Graduation is an experience I'll never forget. Even if I am nursing my feet back to health after taking the bold move to wear my high heels all day in the rain. Ouch! But it was definitely worth the pain. 

Until the next memory-filled and nerve-racking experience that I share, Au Revoir! 
Love,
Lauren xo

BONUS: What I wore on Graduation Day? 

Dress (in Blue) | High Heels | Clutch Bag | Nail Polish | Eyes