My Graduation Ceremony and feelings of being a recent graduate

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Author: Jessica

Hi, everyone! I am Jessica, a recent Economics and Finance graduate from the University of Bristol. I spent one of my best days in Bristol last week for my graduation ceremony! In this blog, I would like to share my feelings on my three years of university life, now as a recent graduate!

The graduation ceremony is a perfect day to celebrate your success after years of hard work and commitment, and it would also be the day to create special memories with family members and friends. You will collect your degrees on that day as well. What an exciting time!

Looking back, I am proud to be a Bristol graduate! I still clearly remember the first day when I came to the University of Bristol for the student registration, I was curious about everything in this unfamiliar environment. Undoubtedly, everything was so fresh and exciting. And after spending 3 years in Bristol, this city feels like my second home!

I think I might forget (or have already forgotten) the complicated financial models taught multiple times in the Corporate Finance lectures; the theories of Consumption and Fiscal policies and the Econometric analysis that no one really understands. But I would never forget the amazing people I have met in these three years. We have discussed the relationship between economic growth and financial development, the power of technology and innovation, the logic behind philosophies, and the charm of music, art and culture. We have left so many beautiful memories in different countries and gone through all the ups and downs together in these three years. All these experiences made me grow as a person and become who am I now. Looking back, I feel grateful to those who I have met and for what I have learned during my amazing three years here in the UK!

A lot of people asked me if I could say something to those students who will start their brand-new journey soon in the UK, what would that be? There are three things I want to share with you all:

  1. Do what you like and like what you do! It is so different from high school, three years at university would be the time to explore your interests and passions. It is always good to do things you enjoy, and to keep a positive attitude when you are doing what you chose to do!
  2. It is ok to change direction from what you set out to do at the beginning. When we are still young, life is uncertain, and that brings lots of excitement to life. It is never too late to find what doesn’t work for you, and then reset your goals.
  3. Getting a positive academic result is always the priority of a student. However, studying is not the only thing to do at university. There are so many more things out there for you to explore, and the key is to find a balance between your academic and social life. Once you find the perfect balance, everything becomes easy!

To more unprecedented challenges and adventures ahead – cheers!

Jessica

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