Booted and suited today for graduation and it was great to see some old faces, many of them for the very last time, as they move on with their lives. What I didn't see today was anyone who had any regrets about coming to university. Burdened with debt and dodgy job prospects seemed to have no effect at all. In fact there was an overwhelming sense of optimism virtually glowing from them and their parents and friends. Heartening, truly heartening to see young, vibrant, intelligent, interested and interesting people taking up their place in the world. How can anyone say the world is not a better place because of this? Ours is a country of opportunity and graduates have a huge part to play, its a pity they attract such bad press when we all know that they are the answer not the problem in an extremely badly governed country, with a government who wouldn't recognise talent if it kicked them. The hope is that those graduates will come to realise this and give our bad government the kicking it deserves. This song came up in conversation today but it never needs a reason to be heard, from The Graduate:
