We extended our congratulations to all graduates, and we also asked what it was like to finally be rewarded with their degree, and what comes next.
5. Emma Ervine
Hailing from Carrickfergus, Emma Ervine graduated in Business with Marketing. “I forgot how to walk,” said Emma on collecting her degree. Emma plans on continuing her studying in Belfast with a Masters in Marketing. Offering first-year university students advice, Emma said: “Definitely live here for the first year, I had such a better experience living up here. Spend more time in Derry.” Photo: Jack Tibbetts
6. Grace Doherty
Grace Doherty, also from Derry, graduated with a First Class Honours in Drama. Grace said: “As someone who’s been involved in the local drama scene since I was a child, I’ve walked, danced, and crawled across the Millennium Forum stage many times without fear, but yesterday as I walked across to collect my degree I was the most emotional I’d ever been. Having the support of my loved ones in the crowd motivated me to make my shaky way across. However, the second I was handed the piece of paper I’d worked so hard for, it was a feeling of total pride and satisfaction.” Unfortunately, Grace said that her father passed away recently. Although she received job opportunities, she has chosen to take the summer off to process her loss before stepping into the world of work. Photo: Jack Tibbetts