University's act of kindness allows student to realize late mom's graduation dream
Theresa had been imagining graduating since she was a girl, after watching convocation ceremonies in the movies.
“It was definitely ‘High School Musical,’” she laughs. “The big American graduation where everybody throws their cap at the end.”
It was an accomplishment her mom Daphne hadn’t experienced, but hoped Theresa would.
“Along with getting married,” Theresa says. “I think graduating was a big one for her.”
So you can imagine how they felt when, after two years of enduring virtual studies at the University of British Columbia, Theresa was told she’d be receiving her bachelor’s degree at an in-person ceremony.
“(My mom) was probably more excited about it than I was!” Theresa laughs.
Weeks before the convocation, they posed for a family photo with Theresa in a cap and gown.
But then — just days before her big day — Theresa received an email from UBC saying that, because of the all damage caused by that extreme weather, their shipment of regalia would likely not arrive in time for the ceremony.
“It’s not the end of the world,” Theresa says. “There’s a lot of other (greater) problems the storm created. But…”
But it was disappointing.
When the news of UBC’s plight reached the the manager of convocation and events at the University of Victoria, Jeanie offered to help.
“I kind of said, ‘Hey! We have regalia here so let me know if you want it,’” Jeanie says.
When the offer to lend 600 of their gowns was gratefully accepted by UBC, Jeanie came in on her day off to help load up a truck. After travelling by ferry from Victoria to the mainland, the regalia made it in time for the ceremonies.
“Convocation is super important to me,” Jeanie says. “And I understand how important that is (for the students).”
But she couldn’t have known how important it was for Theresa.
“My mom passed away a few weeks ago,” Theresa cries. “She really wanted to be there.”
When Theresa finally delivered her grad speech at the convocation, when she walked across the stage and received her degree wearing a cap and gown, she couldn’t have felt more grateful for all the people who worked so hard behind the scenes to make the graduation ceremony look just the way her mom dreamed it for her daughter.
“She’ll be proud. And she gets to see the cap and gown,” Theresa says, after wiping away her tears. “If she is there in whatever way, I hope she likes it.”
Perhaps the moment she’d like the most would be the one Theresa’s dad captured on video. It shows a smiling Theresa wearing her gown and throwing her cap in the air. It’s a moment just like in the movies.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.