What I learnt on Graduation Day?

After four months of waiting, last week marked the end of my time at Southampton Solent University and what a send off it was; from giving my parents a well-deserved tour around Southampton - well, West Quay Shopping Centre anyway - to celebrating with a obligatory mortarboard throw and a glass of Prosecco with my besties at the end of the Graduation ceremony - it was a day I won't forget very quickly. I now officially have 'Graduate' status. To be honest, I think I've had 'Graduate' status since getting my results back in July but until you've nervously walked across a stage in 6-inch heels on your own in front of hundreds, I don't think you can officially say you've graduated. Having never been to Graduation day before, I didn't know what to expect - I'd read all the handbooks and blogs I could find but nothing prepares you for the day ahead; not even walking around in your pyjamas the night before in your heels hoping that you will look flawless in them the next day. I can always hope. So here is what I learnt on Graduation day, which may just help you to prepare for yours: 

1. High heels are your frenemies! 

What seemed to be a good idea to start with turned into days of nursing my feet back to health. Yes, I took the bold move and wore heels for the entire day of Graduation. Ouch! Whilst legs may of looked pretty damn good (if I do say so myself) in photos, my feet were hating every second and regreted it for days after. Once the ceremony was over and it was safe to do so, the heels came off. One bit of advice that I would give to all your girls is to keep a pair of flats with you, just in case your feet take a turn for the worse. 

2. Capture every moment {with a camera and plenty of selfies} 

I still think one of the most impressive things that happened on Graduation - aside from not falling flat on my face in front of everyone - was my Dad's awesome photography skills. Hats off to the teacher that taught him everything he knows - that's me by the way. Anyway, one thing I would say about Graduation day and if it isn't obviously already take loads of photographs of you and your besties graduating together. Just think in a few years time, I can look back and see where our student life ended and adulthood began. *cue to smallest violin in the world* 

3. Always check the weather forecast. 

To be fair, I did check the weather. But unfortunately, we live in Britain and Storm Barney was feeling particularly angry on Tuesday 17th November; the rain began to pour and the winds were wild but that didn't stop us. If I could give anyone a bit of advice it would be this: plan your hair accordingly, if you know that your hair goes frizzy in the rain, be prepared before you become disappointed. 

Obviously if your Graduation is in July like most 'normal' universities you might not have to go through the drama of the wind and rain but don't forget we do live in Britain and British weather never stops surprising us. 

4. Don't forget safety pins and hair grips.  

I found the gowns and mortarboards pretty... awkward to be honest. The safety pins were a god-send keeping my gown and sash in place for the duration of the day but with 70mph winds, not even six hair grips can keep your hat on your head - I wasn't the only one running around outside the o2 Guildhall after their hat. 

5. Don't fear the Graduation stage!

Surprisingly I was totally content about walking across the Graduation stage; yes I had a few butterflies but I was quite calm. Until... the tutor 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 for that bit of advice, if I wasn't scary before I am now! Anyway, it is easier said than done but don't fear the Graduation stage, it isn't as bad as you think and as a great friend, Eleanor Potter, 2015 once said "own it like Sharpay Evans from High School Musical". Pro-advice Eleanor! 

Until next time on Lauren Marie, Au Revoir! 

Love, 

Lauren xo 

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