I guess it's official! I get to be at convocation next year!  Even though I was technically done with my degree in September of 2021, I'll be one of the graduates at next year's convocation, which will again be virtual.  I think that it's definitely a good call to be virtual given the uncertainties of COVID that still exist. To be honest, it's also a big of a weight off my shoulders.  While I would like to head up to Athabasca and participate in person and get to see some old friends and professors, it's not all that practical (at least for me), and the costs associated far exceed the warm and fuzzies.  As is the case with most doctoral programs, once classes are done, everyone proceeds at their own pace through the dissertation process, so it's not like Cohort 7 will all be there.  Some people have already graduated, and some are still in the pipeline.

I do want my graduation gown (and Tudor hat) - at least at some level, but I don't know if I'd ever have occasion to wear them 😜 (and they are expensive 🤯) - again - a cost/benefit analysis.