Graduation from the University of Otago is, at the very least, a 3 day event. Deloitte provided a day off for “graduation leave” which ensured full participation over the weekend…

Picking up my regalia with my flat mate (bane of the weekend) however, an essential process, as participating in the “capping ceremony” would be somewhat awkward if you didn’t have a cap… and although it’s a borrowed cap from the university and there are hundreds of other graduates floating around with caps just like yours, it’s really what the cap represents to you- “my $60,000 cap” was what the girl trying on a cap in front of us, loudly proclaimed. Good call really (we had a giggle)… Her comment sparked some “reflective thinking” on my time in Dunedin…

• Cap= $60,000 
• Monthly visit to student health to complain about an ongoing cold= $5 (when are you ever going to be able to visit the doctor for $5 again?!)
• Puffer jacket= $300 (mandatory)
• Daily “V” from the Campus Shop during exam time= 2 for $5

• Flatting with 7 girls= $100 for rent (endless relationship advice= free)
• Double at Gadies= $3 (good deal… can’t believe that Gadies is CLOSING?!!)
• Dancing to BSB with the freshers at upstairs cook= $? (how do you cost decrease in social status?)
• Velvet burger “skinnys” (Nb. They don’t make you skinny) after dancing at upstairs cook= $3.50
• An epic night on Castle St during the “Undy $500”= $Your diversion
• Entrance to the Library a.k.a “cent”= no cents (and if it’s during exam time make sure you wear your running shoes and are there before opening time if you want a seat)
• The thousands of friends made and degree from UO (if you’re lucky)= Priceless :)

Grad weekend was a time for everyone to catch up and to reminisce on the good times and live the scarfie dream just one more time.

Back in the real world work is full on! Post the “financial new year” all audits are go. The biggest change thus far is the early starts; getting up at 6-practically-the-middle-of-the-night-o’clock- in-the-morning is becoming a regular occurrence to ensure all blonde moments are out of the way. 

I’m currently on an audit for the public sector. The announcement of the Budget by Bill English (in his purple, spotty tie) had the office in what could only be described as a state of excitement. The announcement led to the office gathering around the television (along with a mandatory cup of tea) to “ooo” and “ahh”.

If you’re wondering about working in an office (whether it be accounting or anywhere) first ask yourself: do you like tea? And then ask yourself whether drinking at least 3 cups a day is what you consider at the very least, doable. Extreme tea drinking has led to the constant need for a pack of mints…  which further leads to the question WHY does water taste 100 times colder after you have had a mint?!!

Mid-year exams must be on their way- therefore facebook stalking will be on the up, so maybe you are reading my stories… If you ever have questions feel free to ask! 

Happy studies! 

Lucy :)