By Lucy Irving, Finalist
On the 6th of June, a Leavers service was held in Durham Cathedral for all leavers within St John’s College, including students, staff, and of course Principals.
Centred around the theme of light, it was a poignant service which allowed all guests to reflect on their time at St John’s. Upon arrival, everyone was given a paper lightbulb which we created bunting from in the middle of the service. It offered a time to reflect and, in the completion of such a child-like activity, made me think of how far I have come since being at school to the person that I am today. Given the communal nature of the activity, it highlighted the sense of community found within St John’s College. For me, it also brought back memories of my first year in college when everything was done together with my household due to COVID19 restrictions, from going to meals to the solidarity of having online lectures.
Personally, the highlight of the service would have to be the talk given by our Principal, David Wilkinson, who requested a well-known song from the college chapel choir…
As the choir sang the college song, ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’, many leavers started whispering ‘John’s, John’s’ under their breath again offering this sense of community. This reminded me of my time as Frep, as the college song was blasted down the Bailey to welcome incoming Freshers. David also spoke about the words of the song, with ‘home’ being a key lyric. It was a reminder that no matter where the leavers of college end up, St John’s will always hold a place in our hearts as home. Whenever I listen to ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’, I will forever think of walking down the Bailey and through the doors of St John’s College.
At the end of the service, all leavers were invited to stand as a farewell was given by the Vice Principal, and each leaver received a candle, as a symbol of how the John’s community has illuminated our time at university.
Once a Johnian, always a Johnian.
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