Emma had been waiting for this day for four long years. Today was finally her graduation ceremony at the university. She woke up at six in the morning, unable to sleep any longer. Her heart was racing with excitement and a little bit of nervousness. She had worked incredibly hard to reach this moment. There had been many late nights studying and countless exams to pass. Sometimes she had wondered if she would ever finish her degree. But here she was, about to receive her diploma in psychology. Emma carefully laid out her graduation gown on the bed. The dark blue color represented her faculty of social sciences. She tried on the cap and looked at herself in the mirror. 'I actually did it,' she whispered to her reflection with a smile. Her parents would be arriving at ten o'clock to pick her up. They had been so proud and supportive throughout her studies. Her grandmother was also coming, despite her difficulty walking. 'I would not miss this for the world,' her grandmother had told her. Emma's best friend, Maria, was graduating at the same ceremony. They had met during their first week at university and had become inseparable. They had shared an apartment for the last two years. Emma received a text message from Maria asking what time they should meet. 'Let us take some photos together before the ceremony starts,' Maria suggested. Emma agreed and they decided to meet at eleven thirty. The ceremony was scheduled to begin at one o'clock in the afternoon. It would take place in the grand hall of the main university building. Emma finished getting ready and went downstairs to have breakfast. Her roommate had prepared a special breakfast to celebrate the occasion. 'You deserve this more than anyone I know,' her roommate said warmly. Emma felt tears forming in her eyes at these kind words. At ten o'clock sharp, her parents arrived at the apartment. Her mother was carrying a beautiful bouquet of white roses. Her father had brought a small gift wrapped in golden paper. 'We are so incredibly proud of you,' her mother said, hugging her tightly. Her grandmother arrived shortly after, walking slowly with her cane. She was wearing her best dress, the one she saved for special occasions. 'My little girl is all grown up now,' her grandmother said with teary eyes. They took several family photos in the living room before leaving. Emma carefully helped her grandmother into the car. They drove to the university campus, which was decorated beautifully for the occasion. Colorful banners and balloons welcomed the graduates and their families. Emma spotted Maria near the entrance of the grand hall. She was already wearing her graduation gown and waving excitedly. The two friends embraced each other warmly when they met. 'Can you believe we are finally here?' Maria asked with a huge smile. They found a beautiful spot in the garden for their photographs. Maria's parents joined them, and they took many group photos together. At quarter to one, the staff began directing graduates to their seats. Emma's heart was pounding as she walked into the grand hall. The hall was filled with hundreds of students in their colorful gowns. Family members and friends were seated in the upper balcony. Emma looked up and saw her family waving at her from above. The university president stood at the podium and welcomed everyone warmly. He spoke about the importance of this milestone in their lives. A famous scientist gave an inspiring speech about following your dreams. 'Never let anyone tell you that your goals are impossible,' she said. Emma felt deeply moved by these words and thought about her own journey. Then, the moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived. The dean began calling out names to receive diplomas. Each student walked across the stage to loud applause. Emma's hands were shaking slightly as she waited for her turn. 'Emma Johnson,' the dean announced clearly into the microphone. She took a deep breath and walked confidently towards the stage. She could hear her family cheering loudly from the balcony. The university president shook her hand and presented her diploma. 'Congratulations on your achievement,' he said with a warm smile. Emma held her diploma tightly and posed for the official photograph. As she walked off the stage, tears of joy streamed down her face. She returned to her seat and watched Maria receive her diploma next. They exchanged proud smiles across the rows of graduates. After all the diplomas had been awarded, the entire class stood up together. They moved their tassels from the right side to the left. This traditional gesture symbolized their official status as graduates. The hall erupted in cheers and applause from everyone present. Many graduates threw their caps high into the air in celebration. After the ceremony ended, Emma rushed to find her family. Her mother was crying happy tears and could barely speak. Her father hugged her silently, too emotional for words. Her grandmother kissed her on both cheeks and held her hands tightly. 'Your grandfather would have been so proud to see this day,' she whispered. Emma felt a wave of emotion wash over her at these words. The whole family went to a restaurant to celebrate the special occasion. They had reserved a private room for the celebration. Maria and her family joined them, making it a double celebration. The waiter brought champagne for a toast to the graduates. 'To Emma and Maria,' her father said, raising his glass high. 'May your futures be as bright as your achievements today.' Everyone clinked their glasses and drank to their success. The dinner was delicious, with many courses and wonderful desserts. Emma's father gave a heartfelt speech about how proud he was. He recalled the day when she had first started school as a little girl. 'Time has flown by so quickly,' he said with emotion in his voice. Emma opened the golden wrapped gift that her father had brought. Inside was a beautiful watch with her initials engraved on the back. 'This belonged to your grandfather,' her father explained softly. Emma was deeply touched by this meaningful and precious gift. As the evening drew to a close, everyone shared their favorite memories. They laughed about funny moments from Emma's university years. Emma looked around at her loved ones and felt incredibly grateful. This day marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. She knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, she was ready to face them. With her diploma in hand and her family by her side, the future looked bright.
English Story (B1)The Graduation Ceremony
This B1 English story is designed for intermediates learning English. It includes simple vocabulary and short sentences to help you improve your reading and listening skills. Click any word to see translations and hear pronunciation.
About this story
Emma celebrates her graduation day after four years of hard work at university. Surrounded by her loving family and best friend Maria, she receives her psychology diploma in an emotional ceremony and reflects on her journey from student to graduate.
Translations in English
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
What degree was Emma about to receive?
2
How did Emma and Maria meet?
3
What special gift did Emma's father give her?
4
What did the dark blue color of Emma's gown represent?
Vocabulary
40 words from this story
