AnAutieAtUni , 2 days ago

Some fun updates about July, my university results and graduation month:

Spent much of the day finishing off some small graduation planning, which has been like a special interest to do. It feels like I already got my results even though I haven’t yet - it’s blissful as there is none of the fuss but all of the good feelings! ✨ I’m also trying to get all this done NOW because I know that later on I will start trying to shrink everything… I will deny my achievements, belittle them, etc. So I’m holding myself accountable, in a way, to make sure I REMEMBER and mark this significant milestone that I have wanted and worked toward for decades.

So, I have some decorations for the house on the way - something I never let myself do before as it always seemed so egotistical, plus not many people will even see these, but it’s time to do what I always wanted to do! If just once in my lifetime!

Have sorted some final details for a mini graduation celebration later this month that will be a short photography session in nature (will have my cap, gown & hood!). This will be a little bit social, but VERY small scale. I won’t be going to my formal graduation ceremony due to lack of accessibility (uni is willing to make adjustments, there are simply none they CAN do as it’s the venue with massive, massive crowds that’s the problem).

Got myself a VERY silly headband that says “Grad” on it with lots of glitter! May only wear it at home, but the point is to remind myself of what I achieved, and actually embody this new life as a university graduate after 20+ years of hoping. I know I’ll try to shrug it all off, so instead I’m crowning myself 🤣 with a ridiculously silly crown-like thing to make myself do this and also smile haha!

A young student friend and I made a pact we’d buy each other a specific graduation gift - a Giant Microbes graduation 🎓 neurone! I suspect they may forget, so rather than remind them, I bought the last two that I could find on the internet! One for me, one for them. If they remembered and give me one, then I’ll send the spare one to another young student as a surprise gift (they’ve been very supportive to me).

I’m also thinking hard about how to celebrate the 2-3 loved ones who supported me most. Plus trying to find words to add to little thank you cards for key members of staff who supported me like no one has ever done before (in a professional context like this). The staff have helped me see how different life can be with the right reasonable adjustments in place.

Feeling full of gratitude for ALL of this. What an utter privilege.

@actuallyautistic