Convocation

My oldest child has now successfully made it through University and completed her 4 year program in Film Studies at York University. I heard her repeat the saying,"C's get degrees" more than once, but even though it was hard work she graduated Summa Cum Laude. If you are like me you do not know what that means, so...

• Summa cum laude: Means "with highest praise" and usually signifies the top 1-5% of graduates. 

• Magna cum laude: Means "with great praise" and typically denotes the top 5-15% of graduates. 

• Cum laude: Means "with praise" and usually indicates the top 20-33% of graduates. 

She received a minor in Creative Writing as well, so all in all we were pretty damn impressed to say the least. She has been struggling with anxiety since school has officially been done and attributes a lot of that to the transition from school to work (or real life). It isn't so much the physical changes themselves, but more the idea that - HOLY SHIT, I am no longer a student and a real bonified grown up with a real job and real responsibilities and... this is the REST of my LIFE - have I done the right thing?

I think the rest of the world knows she has followed the right path and will be amazing at anything she chooses to do, but it is scary to have to jump into it and feel that pressure.

She started her working journey full tilt and the anxiety took over. Sadly this is not the first story like this I have heard. Students are struggling with transitions everywhere you look. Jasmine is smart and reached out to her family, doctor, therapist and is doing all the work she needs to be to tackle this blip head on. She is making strides and finding herself again. Soon the confidence and keenness will come back, but right now patience and self-love are her friends.

Jasmine will be moving in the next few weeks out of her basement suite, which will in itself make a huge difference. Basements are dark, damp and cold, so seeing the sun everyday and feeling a normal body temperature may make all the difference. She will also be adding a 3rd roommate to the mix, which I think will help with social outings and loneliness when her boyfriend is at work. I think September will bring on a whole new outlook on life. Stay tuned for updates.