It was horrible.
So, let's start with the good. The family arrived on Friday night, past the dinnertime rush. I met everyone at the never-fail Knights Inn, where we decided to rally for a drink or two at Tulley's. The restaurant was still hopping at 9:30 pm with hungry grads and their families. Service was slow, but company was great. I was so happy to see Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa. It was after drinks with the family that I started having the sense that things were really over: Stacey and I headed for what we hoped would be a glorious and raucous night at Chuck's. In actuality, it was the most bizarre bar night I've ever witnessed. Washed up moms followed their daughters to the bar, the people I wanted to see weren't there, and there was a general sense of doom about the place. I actually couldn't wait to get home- the experience just seemed somewhat morose. I knew, right then, that it was over. Chuck's would never, ever be the same ever again.
Saturday was HOT. Sticky and humid, it was a great day for a cute dress but a terrible day for a cap and gown. The Newhouse ceremony was at noon in the Dome, and Stacey, Stephanie and my PR friend Sara found seats by my side. Long, aggravating speeches dragged on. A pompous journalist went on a soapbox about atrocities in Vietnam, and the new Dean made a speech about- of all things- the career services office. The whole thing was uninspiring and the cherry on top was when I crossed the stage to the announcement of 'Tori Horse-Stein."
Luckily, post grad festivities were much better. Instead of trying to find a place to go for lunch and dinner, my family booked it immediately after the ceremony back to the Knight's Inn. There, beers, whisky sours, wine and tons of food awaited the partying family. The Canandaigua clan joined the fun, and Justin came along looking handsome in his new duds.
That night, the party raged on in the Carrier Dome for the Dinner Dance. This had to be the best choice the family made all weekend. The Dome looked spectacular, and families ate a delicious dinner and danced to a full orchestra. Everything sounded amazing and I even found the perfect orange dress for the occasion. The end of the night, however, brought that same impending feeling of doom. The party was really over- the guests trickled away from the dance floor and Justin and I headed back to his apartment for one last peaceful night in each other's company.
Sunday really was the end. Joe Biden's speech to the huge graduating class encouraged us to go out and change the world. I was excited as he mentioned by name Teach For America- it somehow felt like he was talking to me! I felt like I had made the right choice. The ceremony on Sunday was actually much nicer than the Saturday one. This one had beautiful vocalists and inspiring speeches. I really enjoyed everything I heard. Shortly after the ceremony, the family packed up and went home- only mom stayed to help me pack.
Post-graduation, Syracuse felt like a zombie town. None of my friends had left yet, but everyone was just drifting around, emotionless. Drained emotionally and physically from the weekend, it was with a sigh of relief that I pulled out of 329 Comstock's parking lot. It was really, really over. Even ABC News said as much, in a piece that I was lucky enough to get a bit in: http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?
I am so lucky to have an incredible, supportive family. I'm blessed to have found such sweet and true friends: and dare I say, yes, my future bridesmaids! I count graduation weekend as a joyful one, but also a tremendously sad moment. Am I really ready for this incredible task that I'm diving into? It seems unfair that I have to leave my friends, my boyfriend, and my joyful and carefree life behind so soon. But at the same time- I'm ready. And I wish only the best for all of them as we head out on separate paths.
Peace and Love.
"Was graduation great? In many ways, yes. But in many ways...
ReplyDeleteIt was horrible."
CAW, CAW, CAW!!!!!