I flattened out my navy blue dress, standing in front of the mirror. Today was the big day. Four years of essays, papers, exams, stress, and tears just for a piece of paper. Today is the day I step out into the real world with a history degree in hand. Despite needing to work towards my teacher's license for another year or two, I was elated.
Today was also the day I'd be moving out. My suitcases stood in front of the door to my tiny uni dorm, and my mom was already standing in the hallway, inching towards the lift impatiently. 'Kath, let's go! You wouldn't want to be late to your own graduation!' I smiled to myself one last time in the mirror, fixing a couple stray strands and tucking them behind my ear, then finally walking out my bedroom.
I took a final look around, running my fingertips over the grooves and dents in the wooden doorframe. I had grown to love this place. It was small, cramped at times, and definitely not what I wanted in a home, but it had been my home for four years. After a lot of planning and even more packing, I'd be moving in with my friend Mel and her boyfriend Simon. They were easily the cutest couple I've ever met.
'Kath, we're running late!' My mum called again. This time I hurried out the door, locked it with my crappy old uni keys for the last time ever, grabbed a suitcase and called the lift. Downstairs, at the entrance to the uni, I quickly waved at the receptionist and then headed outside. We headed to the carpark first (running; it was raining, of course. Welcome to England) to throw my suitcases in the back of the car, then quickly ran back inside to where the graduation ceremony would be held.
I scanned the auditorium for Mel, who would also be graduating today. She's got an English and Creative Writing degree, and couldn't wait to be publishing her first book. The two of us locked eyes after I managed to find her in the crowd of people. Sending her a brief thumbs up, I sat down in between two classmates. Both of them seemed to be anxious, but I could only radiate happiness today.
Soon enough the lights dimmed and the school's principal stepped onto the stage and adjusted the microphone. As the principal spoke about our graduating class and my peers began day dreaming, I craned my neck to look over the heads of the people in front of me. My eyes scanned the crowd for the boys, as Simon promised Mel and I that he would drag his friends along. Cal was the first one I recognised: blonde, messy hair, broad shoulders covered by a button down shirt and his Nike shoes pressed up against the chair in front of him.
My eyes went down his row and I could pick out a few familiar faces. I was surprised to see all of them so calm and collected as they are usually very out there.
'Katherine Collins?' The principal suddenly called out, making me jump in my seat and the hairs on my arms stand on end.
'That's you,' My mum squeezed my hand as I stood up, gently pushing my way through my row. As I made my way down to the stage, I saw Simon and Mel looking at me, Mel flashing me a reassuring smile. Just before I reached the principal, my eyes locked with Cal's, and I had to force myself to look away so not to trip over any wires.
I steadily climbed the stairs that led up to the stage. As I walked across the platform towards the principal my eyes scanned over the crowd once again. All of the boys in Simon and Cal's row seemed about ready to jump out of their seats.
'Katherine will be leaving us with a degree in ancient history today, hoping to become a high school world history teacher. We are incredibly proud of you, Katherine, and honoured that you chose our school to grow as a person and to develop your knowledge even further. Ladies and gentlemen, a round of applause for Katherine Collins.' The principal finished and the crowd erupted with whistling and clapping.
When I looked up, hoping to find my mum in the crowd, all I saw was a giant group of people, led by Mel and Simon, running down the stairs and onto the podium.
'Congratulations!' Mel screamed, engulfing me in a hug. 'We graduated! We did it! We're finally free!' Simon joined in, and soon I was surrounded by all their friends as well.
I let out a squeal of happiness as everyone let go of me, taking in Mel for another hug without the boys. I felt short surrounded by all of these people, my heels only helping slightly, but no feeling could ever surpass the feeling of weightlessness I had right now.
The auditorium filled with the sound of many conversations going on as people congratulated their friends, said goodbyes and took pictures for their last day ever at university. I walked out with Mel and the boys, both of us holding our degrees in one hand, knowing my mum will find me later.
Outside, Mel and Simon turned to face me. 'Right, are you ready? You're finally moving in with us, I'm so excited.' She smiled, heading towards the car park.
I could see my mum jogging to follow us in the distance. I was moving into an actual home today. My home with my friends. What more could I ask for?
