Graduation Reflections: My Final Days of School in Ireland

Rima F. (Japan)
May 29
4 min read

The weeks leading up to graduation and my final days in class were all about handing things over. In my school, I finally stepped down from my role as prefect. It was shocking to me that at this time last year, I had taken on this very important role, and now I had given it to the new incoming prefects. They all received badges, and I felt like I was back in their shoes again.

We also had a long weekend, which I didn’t do much during - just studying. Right now, life can seem a little bleak, but after the exams, summer is waiting, and that’s what’s keeping me motivated.

The last week of school only consisted of three days of class, Funday, and the Leavers' Assembly, which is our graduation ceremony.

Day 1

Every year, the sixth years in our school dress up as their future careers, so we did this on the first day of our final week. Although my current dream is to become an architect, I dressed up as a ballerina, partly for a joke, but also to fulfil my childhood dream and give it its justice.

As it was a Monday, I had my last MUN with my friend Cathy. We both made speeches in front of the team to show our development in the club. We also got flowers for our teacher, as we had received so much support from her.

Day 2

On the second day, we dressed up as our future spouses. Some people were really creative, but for me, I just wore a suit and a tie, as I see myself marrying someone like that. That day, we practised our graduation songs for the leavers' assembly on Friday. We ended up choosing ABBA songs, which may seem unoriginal, but they're always a classic, and we made sure to present them at the highest quality, especially since we had won Culwick, the annual choral competition at our school that I mentioned in my November blog.

Day 3

Our last day in class was Last Bell Day. It’s a moment to mark the end of all our classes in this school and to be together one final time. We received our sixth-year jumpers with personalised quotes on them in the afternoon during our last class. Then, we huddled up in the middle of the school in a circle and took it all in. Everyone’s emotions were heightened that day. We also got a bit of cake to celebrate.

Day 4

The day after our Last Bell was our final Funday, and the first time since fourth year that we wore our full school uniforms. Compared to the Halloween Funday that our year organised in October, the fifth years had now officially taken over. The summer Funday is always inspired by The X Factor, where our school showcases its talent. The fifth years were very organised with the event, and I was truly impressed. We arrived at school around 11 to join the other years in the concourse, and we watched so many different performers. It felt slightly emotional knowing that I would never experience this atmosphere again, especially in my uniform. In the afternoon, we had a soccer match between the teachers and sixth year students as part of continuing on the tradition. I didn't participate as there were so many of us, but I cheered on from the side with a couple of other friends of mine.

Day 5

Friday was graduation day. My father had come over from Japan the day before, and it was so great to see him again, as I hadn’t seen him for so long. As we were allowed to wear dresses, I chose a long green one I had picked out ages ago. It was definitely unique, with a puffy skirt. I had a slight mishap with my dress right before the event - my zipper completely failed me, which ultimately delayed the ceremony slightly - but it’s a memory I’ll never forget.

My friends and I made sure to take lots of photos together, and it made me realise how many meaningful friendships I’ve created here. Bonds, I hope to keep for a long time.

That evening, my friend Kokoro and I went out to have dinner at a restaurant in town to celebrate. It was nice to enjoy a meal out before fully locking in on my studies again.

Leaving Certificate starting soon

Even though it felt great to feel free, I still had the Leaving Certificate to think about. So over the weekend - when I would have loved to relax completely - I spent time with my father showing him around Dublin for a few hours, while also making time to study. I’m trying to keep that balance between study and rest. It’s especially important for me to stay focused as I have my Computer Science exam earlier than the rest, on May 21. I feel nervous, but also excited to get one subject done.

So wish me luck!