Standing in line, I felt a buzz of anticipation.
Then, as I heard someone on stage call my name, I plastered on a big grin and headed up.
As I was handed my degree, I had a peek into the audience.
Seeing my boyfriend Jak, 27, clapping and cheering with my mum Suzanne, 56, and dad Tony, 58, my heart swelled.
I'd always dreamed of being a teacher-so when I graduated from Cumbria University with a degree in Primary School Education back in November 2018, I was chuffed.
It was the perfect way to round off the year, and I couldn't wait for a Christmas where I didn't have to worry about studying or revising.
After celebrating with course mates, the four of us set off on the 90-minute drive home.
I'd started my first teaching job that September, so as Mum drove the winding country roads home, I caught up on my lesson planning.
With wind whipping round the car and rain lashing at the windows, we were quiet so Mum could concentrate.
And then, as we came to a bend, I saw the bright headlights of a DafTipper Truck out of the window.
Is that coming towards us? I thought.
I quickly realized that the lorry was out of control - and for a moment there was deadly silence, and everything felt like it was in slow motion.
Before Mum had time to react, the 7.5 tonne lorry lost control and crashed head-first into her Vauxhall Astra.
It all happened so quickly.
I lost consciousness, and when I came to, I was in a lot of pain. I struggled to look around me, trying to get my bearings.
Jak was lying in the road-he had managed to get out of the car, but then collapsed.
I couldn't move at all. I could hear Mum screaming.
'I can't get out,' Dad cried.
But I couldn't reply-I tried, but no words came out.
It was terrifying.
Jak eventually came round, but he was in a lot of pain.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 20, 2022 (Double Issue) من Pick Me Up !.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 20, 2022 (Double Issue) من Pick Me Up !.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
ACCEPTING MYSELF
Claire Panchel, 32, from Burgess Hill, neglected her condition for years...
WHAT'S BURNING?!
When Leanne Chatfield, 32, from Brighton, smelt smoke coming from her kitchen, she couldn't help but panic...
SOMETHING STOLEN
Kayleigh Hanrahan, 29, from Wigan, never expected to lose so much on her wedding day...
FOCUSED ON NOW
Stephanie Edwards, 33, from Bridgwater, Somerset, is watching her little girl become a human statue in front of her eyes...
A HAND TO HOLD
Amy Brown, 29, from Kent, just wanted to take her children out to the park on her own...
JUST GETTING STARTED
When Shelby Laidlaw, 30, from London, split from her partner Hassan, she had no idea how he was able to keep tabs on what she was doing...
TASTES LIKE LOVE
Felicia DiSalvo, 21, flew all the way to Manchester for some British culture…
LURKING AT LUNCH
Carolyn Byington popped home for a bite to eat, unaware of an intruder that would make her regret that very decision…
LET'S TALK ABOUT SEX
Jenn Hanniston, 34, from Essex, and hubby Brad love stripping off to an audience...
CODE RED
When Victoria Lang, 31, from Banton, North Lanarkshire, experienced a period that was a cause of concern she never thought it would reveal something far more disturbing…