Graduation time – proud farewells and a new beginning
At last, graduation. It is truly worth celebrating everyone who is now taking the step into professional life. The time as a student at the Sahlgrenska Academy came to an end with diplomas, flowers, music, and speeches filled with congratulations and warm wishes.
The graduation ceremonies reflected both joy and pride, along with a touch of wistfulness. With their education behind them, the newly graduated students are now ready to move forward into working life. Learning continues, new knowledge awaits, and experience is built day by day. It was a meaningful conclusion to student life and, at the same time, the beginning of something new for midwives, physiotherapists, physicians, nurses, and dentists as they move on in their professions.
Warm congratulations to you all.
Gathered to celebrate
The graduation ceremony for the midwives took place together with that of the nurses in the beautiful Annedal Church, following the long-standing tradition for programs within nursing and caring sciences. The ceremony featured formal speeches, music, and a strong sense of closeness, both on stage and among the audience. Family and friends were gathered to celebrate the newly graduated midwives and nurses.
Zakieh, a newly graduated midwife, reflects on her time in the program:
“It has been the most fun year and a half of my life. This is my dream coming true, and it feels amazing.”
Zakieh is now beginning her first position as a licensed midwife in the delivery ward at Östra Hospital.
Educational and challenging
Bastian, a newly graduated nurse, describes the program as interesting, educational, and challenging:
“It feels fantastic to finally be a registered nurse. These have been three fun, intense, and developmental years, with a high pace from the very beginning.”
“I am really glad that I chose the nursing program. It is a profession with great breadth, where you can work in many different areas, clinically, in municipal care, or in entirely different roles. Working in healthcare is rewarding in so many ways. You meet many people and receive a great deal in return.”
Bastian is now beginning work at a surgical emergency department at Östra Hospital.
Faculty on stage
The graduation ceremony for the physiotherapy students was held in the Grand Auditorium at the Wallenberg Conference Center, where family and friends gathered to celebrate the graduates. Music was also part of the program and was performed by Ledbandet, a rock and pop band made up entirely of faculty members from the physiotherapy program.
Lisa and Lukas, two of the newly graduated physiotherapists, describe the day as emotionally mixed. They felt pride and anticipation for the future, as well as a sense of wistfulness as an important chapter came to an end.
“I think we feel ready in one way, but we are also aware that this is not a final destination,” says Lukas.
“Yes, exactly. You never stop learning,” Lisa adds.
Both have already secured positions in primary care rehabilitation. Lisa is beginning her professional career in Gothenburg, while Lukas will soon be moving to Stockholm for his new role. The day concluded with a joint celebration together with the entire class, offering a final opportunity to gather before the next chapter begins.
Friends for life
A total of 139 new physicians graduated from the University of Gothenburg this term. The occasion was celebrated in a formal and ceremonial setting in the university’s beautiful auditorium in Vasaparken. The program included speeches, music, the presentation of diplomas, and the physician’s oath for all newly graduated doctors.
Four of the graduates, Marina, Sara, Signe, and Emma, describe the five and a half years of study as having passed quickly. They say it now feels both wistful and exciting that their time as medical students has come to an end.
“It is special to study together for such a long time. You make friends for life,” says Marina, a sentiment echoed by Emma.
“We have promised to meet for one week every year so that we stay in touch.”
The next step awaits. Emma and Marina are beginning work as junior doctors at Mölndal Hospital, Signe at the maternity ward at Östra Hospital, and Sara is moving to Dalarna, where an internship position at Mora Hospital awaits.
A strong sense of community
For the newly graduated dentists Torsten and Lana, graduation day was filled with both anticipation and reflection.
“It feels incredible and difficult to take in. Today there is excitement ahead of the ceremony, and the years have gone by so fast,” says Torsten.
Lana shares the sense of anticipation about what lies ahead:
“It is very exciting and nerve-racking. It will be fun to start working, but also sad to leave student life behind.”
Both describe the program as demanding, with much to balance between theory and practice. At the same time, the sense of community stands out as the most meaningful part.
“The social life with other students and everything around it has been the best part,” says Torsten.
“Student life has given me friends for life and future colleagues,” says Lana.
Text and photos: Lovisa Aijmer, Josefin Bergenholtz, Elin Lindström, and Gustav Östling.