For students toiling through the nuances of difficult subjects and their consequent examinations, the Convocation/Graduation ceremony is the culmination of all their efforts. Be it in high school, college or university, no student is too old not to enjoy the elation which accompanies a Convocation/Graduation ceremony. I am sure most of us still remember the pride in our parents eyes while they sat in the audience, witnessing us get our hard-earned diplomas or degrees.

The high school Convocation/Graduation ceremony is the one which opens the door to our dreams and is symbolic of us entering the real world which lies beyond the comfort of our familiar school grounds. It becomes a proud moment for the teachers and parents, when the students have already found admission to their chosen colleges and/ or courses. The high school Convocation/Graduation ceremony symbolises the end of teens and the beginning of adulthood. No more curfews, most definitely an automobile and in some cases even the independence of living alone.

College beckons the eager students after the high school Convocation/Graduation ceremony and is raring to prove himself amongst strange competitors in a stranger environment. Soon as the college days progress all the strangeness wears off and the struggle to complete assignments, prepare for tests, score good grades (while juggling the latest hockey match and the latest flame), binds the students together. And before you now it, the time for college Convocation/Graduation ceremony arrives.

The perky young things, who had participated in the high school Convocation/Graduation ceremony, are now more mature and seasoned and have a serious air about them during the college Convocation/Graduation ceremony. Tears are lesser, although heart breaks are more profound. The young gentlemen and ladies graduating in a college Convocation/Graduation ceremony are far surer of themselves and what they want to do.

For some of these young gentlemen and ladies, the college Convocation/Graduation ceremony is the end of their carefree days, as they would be stepping out from college and stepping into waiting jobs and professions, some enjoyable and some tiresome. They are not even sure if they will ever be able to meet their roommates or best buddies again after the Convocation/Graduation ceremony and this breaks their heart. But their grown up manners, stops them from clinging onto their best friends.

For some fortunate few, the college Convocation/Graduation ceremony is the gateway to the even more prestigious Master’s degree courses in the University of their Choice. For these intelligent (and fortunate) students, the college Convocation/Graduation ceremony is the beginning of the most important chapter of their life. An academic phase which will ensure they get their rightful place in the world.

And thus begins another endless round of classes, assignments, practical tests, written tests, credits, grades, which again culminates in the university Convocation/Graduation ceremony. This is the most important day of a student’s life and the proudest moment in the life of parents, family members and friends. While standing at the podium receiving your Master’s degree or diploma during an university Convocation/Graduation ceremony, the student can actually feel the world calling out to him.

Of course in all the elation of academic achievement, who can forget the night long parties and month long vacations, which usually follow a Convocation/Graduation ceremony.