Thursday, May 21, 2009

In New York I celebrated my commencement ceremony yesterday, completing my undergraduate studies and receiving my bachelor of science degree. There are two sides to this experience: yesterday the immense rush of marching among my peers in a long procession until campus swelled with a sea of students in full academic regalia, watching as president, provost, officers, trustees and faculty descended the steps to their places on the stage. It was a long commencement, with many honorary degrees being conferred. The university president, in his address, spoke on the need to secure our freedom of access to information in the 21st century, in an era when civil liberties are under threat and our ideals must compete in a growing global marketplace of ideas. (The graduates from the Journalism School absolutely drank up this speech. Students from other schools seemed less enchanted).

After the long ceremony and a few photos, I made my way over to my department office to say farewell to my professors and pick up my diploma. My professors were kind and congratulatory. We joked about how in physics nobody wants to talk to you about what you study. Astrophysics is a little kinder, but then people assume you're a rocket scientist, which isn't accurate. With that, and a few more greetings, I left and returned home. Much of the rest of the day and late into the night, I was busy packing the rest of my things.

The good vibes don't last long. Today my university housing officially expires. My ID card is already being rejected from every security access point on campus. I returned my mailbox key and with that resigned my New York address. I think that was the hardest part.

I'm excited and somewhat anxious for the summer. It will be good to rest, pursue reading and hobbies, prepare for the wedding and the move into the new apartment. I would wish that the summer were more low-key. If there is time, I'd like to do some more photography and editing, some reading, and try strengthening my background in astrophysics and programming before starting graduate school in the Fall. Sheila and I will keep you posted.