Rolling with Sarah

After three long years, I finally attended the convocation ceremony to celebrate my graduation. I graduated the Medical Office Assistant Program from Centennial College.  It was located at the Progress Campus in Scarborough. We arrived early so we were able to get an accessible parking spot near the ceremony, but I can imagine at an event like this with plenty of grandparents that any later we may not have found a spot. They may have wanted to designate a few more spaces than there were for this occasion.

Once there, we went to the Ann Buller Learning Centre for registration. This was also where the bathrooms were located. Unfortunately, there was a line up for the accessible bathroom full of people using it as a change room. While I get that the extra space may seem convenient for changing purposes, you need to remember what the facilities’ intended use is, and the fact that using it for reasons other than accessibility takes it away from others who don’t have another choice.

When I got in line for registration, we were approached by a Centennial Staff Member, who asked if I was Sarah. I replied yes and they ushered us to the correct reception desk based on my last name. It was here that I was introduced to Sanakshika. She was basically assigned to be my “helper” for the day. It was at this time my parents left to go find their seats as guests. Sana helped guide through the registration process and then to the gowning room to help me put on my  gown and regalia. Throughout the whole ceremony she stayed with me. I loved that it felt more like I was with a friend than it did I was assigned a helper. She was so kind and considerate and did her best to make me as comfortable as possible.

From there Sana pushed me to the marshalling room where all of the graduates were sorted by program and last name and lined up accordingly. We were reminded several times not to lose the piece of paper we received at registration as that was our ticket across the stage. They joked without it we would be repeating our program.

After what seemed like forever it was time to walk into the ceremony room. We went in in the order we had been assigned. I was almost at the very end. When we did get in and seated it was very hot. I was happy to have the piece of paper to use as a fan. Sana sat right beside me.

The ceremony started with the usual aspects, such as the National Anthem, introduction of the deans and speakers, and opening remarks. To my dismay, the dean accidently said “stand if you wish” instead of “stand if you are able”, but everyone else who spoke got it right. Language is important. It’s not that I don’t wish to stand (I would love that!), it’s that I can’t.

The President had quite the interesting speech. He began with a selfie and continued to quote Mark Carney and Gandalf all in one. He was constantly running across the stage throughout his address, so it kept it entertaining that’s for sure.

Finally it was time for the graduates to start making their way across the stage. As I mentioned earlier, I was near the end so I had to wait a while. There were only 2 people graduating from my program in particular. A few minutes before your turn, you were ushered into a lineup at the side of the stage. From there, you handed in the all-important piece of paper. It had a QR code they scanned which put your name on the big screen and called out your name.  I shook hands with everyone and crossed the stage proudly. Everyone went up a ramp so I wasn’t singled out or excluded in any way. Sana pushed me across the stage.

When the ceremony ended, the graduates left first and went outside. I found a not-so-crowded space and called my parents to tell them where I was. Sana stayed with me until they reunited with me. It was there that Sana and I parted ways, but not before taking a picture together and exchanging contact information. I cannot express enough what a difference she made. Centennial chose the perfect person for the job.

My Mom and Dad got me a bouquet of beautiful cream roses with hints of pink in the blooms. They matched my dress perfectly. I also got a graduation teddy bear which I have named Centennial. I love him. He is brown and so fuzzy! 

After a few pictures it was time for refreshments. As we approached the booth, we knew we were in trouble. The crowds were crazy, and very hard to maneuver with a chair. Just when we decided not to get anything, a security guard came to our rescue and parted the crowds, giving us a clear path right to the front of the refreshment booth. It was so kind of her! She got me a lemonade and a double chocolate cookie, so yummy!

We met so many kind people at graduation. They made all the difference in how I will remember that day. I was treated like a person, not a child or a chair. I didn’t have to go through the embarrassment of not being able to get on stage or having to have my parents help me. I could proudly celebrate without worry. My dignity was a strong concern of theirs. I will forever treasure the day I celebrated this momentous accomplishment. They chose their Event Ambassadors well.

Side note, while all this was going on my amazing siblings hosted a “viewing party” with some family at home. They decorated the room and ordered pizza for everyone. They put the live stream of my graduation up on our big screen and cheered me on as I crossed the stage. I love how much love I received and couldn’t have achieved what I have without everyone who has supported me along the way! Now time to start looking for a job!