Once upon a time there was a vivacious bundle of fun who came into the world laughing, smiling and spreading her sunshine everywhere. Age 5 she sat on the back-row of the nativity with the other angels, and sang the loudest, arms out the widest, stealing the show. She grew up into an engaging, interesting young woman with topaz blue eyes and chestnut brown hair. As a teen her heart opened to the world and she became aware of others less fortunate than her, and this kindled a desire to right the wrongs and fight for justice and equality. A love of learning made her a good student, and she touched those that met her with her open, engaging smile and laughter. She followed her dreams and went off to study about the ways of the world and how the wrongs could be righted. She had setbacks and challenges but was brave. She ventured far from home into a foreign place as this was part of the adventure. The friends she made on the way became the closest, most loyal friends as they were having adventures too. They worked hard and played hard and enjoyed exploring new places together. Today they got to celebrate, and she and her friends wore their crowns and robes and felt like Kings and Queens. They survived the journey, followed their chosen paths and remained true. What lies ahead they don’t know, but today we simply say we love you, well done for following your dreams thus far. We will be there cheering for you when you embark on the next stage of your adventure. This is the end of the chapter but not of the book.

Yesterday my daughter Carmen was awarded a First Class Honours Degree in International Relations and Politics from Cardiff University. She studied abroad in Bordeaux for a year as part of her degree course.