This spring, I accompanied the Deputy Development Director, Laura Jostins-Dean, to Paris to meet alumni and speak at the 500th Anniversary Dinner in the French capital before returning home the very next day for my graduation. A French soirée followed by one of Oxford’s most hallowed events – a neat contrast, and a rather fitting conclusion to my university years which was marked, inevitably, with celebration, ceremony, and sparkling wine.

I think all the guests at the dinner would agree that the food, service, and company were simply magnifique. Our private dining room at Aux Lyonnais, a restaurant nearly as old as the Eiffel Tower itself, provided the perfect setting for Christ Church alumni to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. I particularly enjoyed speaking with the modern linguists in attendance, exchanging memories of Finals and period papers, and hearing warm stories about Professor John Cartwright ahead of the lunch being held in his honour at Christ Church this September.

Laura gave an excellent update on life at the House, paying tribute to Cardinal Wolsey’s founding of the College in 1525 and its enduring traditions of teaching, learning, and research. My own talk reflected on arriving at Christ Church in October 2020 – with the worst of the pandemic behind us, but many months of restrictions still ahead – and how the College supported its students through it all. Sharing memories of the friendships I formed over coffee, crème brûlée, and port (all at the same dinner, naturally) was a reminder of just how special Christ Church is – and how fortunate its alumni are to have been part of it. I must admit that helping ourselves to tureens of guinea fowl and asparagus brought back fond memories of formal Hall.

And less than 48 hours after toasting the House in Paris, I was back in Oxford in my BA gown, white hood, and mortarboard, surrounded by friends – most of whom have managed to get a bit further from Christ Church than I have since Finals – and proudly watched by my parents.

I do not think I was quite prepared for how emotional the graduation ceremony would be. From the solemnity of the Latin to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor’s simple message – “Get out there and change the world” – every part of the occasion impressed upon me the gravity, privilege, and responsibility of being part of a nearly 900-year tradition of Oxford graduations. The Dean’s address before Degree Day lunch at Christ Church recognised the challenges many in my cohort faced as we began our studies at Oxford during the pandemic; the parallel she drew between our friends and families, and the wider Christ Church of which we graduates are now a part was a particularly heart-warming reminder of the pride and happiness felt on the day. It was lovely to reconnect with friends too, hearing about career successes, academic triumphs and a rather exciting bicycle ride across Europe two of my friends are completing!

After a busy weekend, I reflected on how I felt part of something enduring and this was a fitting close to my time as a student as well as a heartening glimpse of all that lies ahead.