What's the point of Graduation Day?

Bucks lecturers get to dress up in silly robes. From left: John, Nick and Dave

Graduation Day took place at Bucks last week, and it was a pleasure to see so many students collecting their degrees, flanked by proud parents who were delighted that their child had achieved those magic letters BA (hons), and, presumably, also grateful for the end of tuition fees. Of course, the event is a formality - you don't even have to turn up, and plenty don't bother. And what is it really for? A chance to wear silly robes and hats?

For those who do attend, they get some free wine and nibbles, a piece of paper, and the chance to hear a (hopefully) inspiring speech from someone who has graduated from the university, made it the world, and earned their right to pass on their wisdom to the young.

JK Rowling did not, of course, give the address at Bucks last week, but she did give an address to Harvard Graduates back in 2008. So, for those of who missed the speech in the Swan Theatre, here's JK Rowling to inspire you. The best stuff is in the middle, where she talks about failure, the inevitability of failure, and some of the uses of adversity.

Enjoy!

---Alex