When journalist Nat Locke returned to her old high school as a guest speaker for the Year 12 graduation ceremony, she discovered just how much these events have evolved since her own school days. The Mt Lawley Senior High School ceremony took place in a proper theatre at the convention centre, a far cry from the modest tin shed common room where her own graduation was held.
From Tin Shed to Hogwarts
Locke observed significant changes in graduation traditions. Students wore official graduation gowns with decorative sashes, while staff members donned their university academic regalia. The transformation made her feel like a muggle at Hogwarts among the robed students and teachers.
Another notable difference was the professional photographer capturing each student receiving their certificate. In contrast, Locke has no photographic evidence of her own graduation. Award winners now receive impressive engraved glass trophies, unlike Locke's prize for being top student in Maths 1 - a book about gambling that presumably referenced probability.
Wisdom From Unexpected Sources
Faced with the responsibility of inspiring young graduates, Locke turned to both contemporary and personal sources of wisdom. While the school principal quoted celebrated poet Maya Angelou, Locke drew from Ted Lasso's philosophy of being curious - advice she'd frantically typed into her phone notes after leaving her prepared speech at home.
She also shared humorous comments from her own school reports. Her Year 9 maths teacher noted that Natalie could achieve great things if she truly applied herself, while her Year 12 maths teacher complained that Natalie talks too much. Given that talking now forms the basis of her career, Locke couldn't resist a playful in your face to her former teacher.
Practical Advice for Future Adventures
Remembering that she couldn't recall anything from her own graduation speaker, Locke was determined to provide at least one practical piece of wisdom that students might actually use. She settled on an essential moving house tip: always assemble your bed first and make it with fresh sheets.
This advice stems from personal experience sleeping on couch cushions during first nights in new homes. While she acknowledged that most graduates won't move out for years, she hopes this nugget of wisdom will stick with them, potentially saving future neck and back pain.
The practical advice resonated with parents in attendance, though one Year 11 student admitted she didn't quite understand its importance. Locke assured her that someday, the wisdom would make perfect sense.
