Tag honor

The Hood I Wore At Medical School Graduation

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There’s something undeniably powerful about donning a hood during a graduation ceremony, especially since it marks the culmination of years of hard work in a graduate or professional program. When you walk up to the center stage, hood draped across your shoulders, it’s like a visual representation of the dedication, sacrifices, and intellectual growth you’ve achieved. The hood symbolizes a kind of academic mastery—it’s a historical garment, evoking the traditions of scholars going back centuries. You can almost feel the weight of those who’ve come before you, standing on the shoulders of giants as you approach the moment when the degree is officially conferred.

As you take each step toward the stage, there’s an immense sense of pride. You’ve earned this. The hood feels like a badge of honor, a marker of your journey through intense learning, late nights, and possibly even moments of doubt. But all of that fades in the glow of the moment when your name is called, and you walk forward to receive your diploma. There’s a certain grace in the ceremony, too—the rhythm of the procession, the silence that fills the air, and the way the hood falls perfectly over your attire, a quiet but unmistakable signal that you’ve reached an academic pinnacle.

The most meaningful aspect of donning the hood for me at my medical school graduation ceremony was that I asked my mom to put it on me when I walked onto the stage to receive my diploma. My mother always believed in me, encouraged me, and was beaming with pride on the day that I graduated from medical school. I couldn’t imagine anyone else placing the esteemed hood across my shoulders.

A very special day in 2001 for me…

Another cool aspect is how the hood is often tied to your field of study through its color. Each color has a specific meaning, representing the different types of graduate studies or professional disciplines. For instance:

  • White often symbolizes a degree in Arts, Humanities, or Letters, evoking clarity, light, and knowledge.
  • Purple is typically associated with Law, representing authority and the prestige of the legal profession.
  • Green might be worn by those earning degrees in Medicine or Public Health, symbolizing healing and growth.
  • Red is often linked to Theology or Divinity, reflecting the historical connection to religious institutions.
  • Dark Blue or Navy signifies Philosophy, capturing the intellectual depth and complexity of the field.
  • Yellow or Gold can represent Science, linking the pursuit of knowledge with the brightness of discovery.
  • Silver Gray is a color worn by those in the field of Social Work or Library Science, representing service and support for the community.

The fact that each color is tied to a discipline makes the hood a visual and symbolic tribute to the unique paths that graduates have taken. It’s like wearing your field’s identity proudly for a moment before the real world asks you to put your knowledge to use. There’s an elegance in the subtlety of these colors, the way they convey a deep history while celebrating your own place within it.

The hood isn’t just an accessory—it’s a symbol of a journey and a transition, from student to professional, and from learner to expert. The way it fits, the way it feels on your shoulders, and the way it marks your success is incredibly meaningful. How did you feel about the moment of walking with your hood at your graduation?

Right Hand Rings

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Pictured above is a Diamond Vintage-Inspired Engagement Ring (1/2 ct. t.w.) in 14k White Gold. This is the ring I wear now.

The trend in right hand rings has increased in popularity over the last fifteen years, because women are embracing it as a way to celebrate their independence and honor themselves. Similar to promise rings, which are also often worn on the right ring finger, right hand rings symbolize a dedication to a goal, a celebration of one’s strength, or an expression of one’s personality.

Though most of the women who opt to purchase right hand rings for themselves are single, a growing number of married woman are purchasing right hand rings for themselves. Right hand rings enable women to proudly display their power and freedom. One advertising campaign uses the slogan,

“Your left hand is a symbol of loyalty. Your right hand is a symbol of freedom.”

I’ve been married, and I have been engaged, so I still regard the left ring finger as sacred. As a matter of fact, I RARELY wear rings on my left ring finger out of respect for my strong belief that the left ring finger is reserved for the bond between two people. However, I have no intention of waiting for a left hand ring to alight once again upon that digit, and it turns out that many women feel the same way, and are purchasing right hand rings, even married ladies.

I had bought a right hand ring back in 2012, but I wasn’t in love with the design, and because I was so resentful of the non-committal man I was with at the time, I didn’t really want to wear it. When it was stolen in 2013, I figured it was meant to be.

Then in early February of this year, I was struck with a sudden urge to get a new right hand ring. It was time to honor myself. I wanted a design which reflected my personality, my taste, and was hoping to find something I absolutely loved, something that made me happy every time I looked at it. I selected a ring which did exactly that, the one that is pictured here on my blog. And it was on sale, for a price which could not be beaten, so I bought it. Little did I know I bought the ring on the crest of a huge breakup, so in a very cosmic way, it was perfect timing.

Exactly one month after I bought my right hand ring, I was completely broadsided by a sudden breakup, the third breakup by the same person in the span of six years. He was planning to move back in. He told me that he was finally ready to make an effort. It was all a lie.

To be honest, I was relieved that I didn’t have to explain my purchase to this guy who I am sure would have berated me for it. It was ridiculous of me to be so apprehensive to reveal my new bauble to someone who let me pay for everything (dinners, trips, gifts, etc.), yet felt he had the right to direct me on how to spend MY money. He never, ever took care of me, but expected me to acquiesce to his every need, and also knew that I would always rescue his pathetic ass.

Now I wear my right hand ring proudly, without fear of being ridiculed. I didn’t know it was considered an engagement ring until I wrote this article, but here’s a thought: I’m never going to break up with myself, and this ring symbolizes my lifelong commitment to myself, my dreams and my goals.