When we entered the large white tent set up on the athletics field where the ceremony was held, the audience stood up and began clapping and cheering. The atmosphere was festive and made me feel more relaxed and comfortable. In an organized manner we filled the lines and headed towards the places reserved for future graduates. Then we stood up for the teachers' procession and remained standing until the conclusion of the national anthem sung by one of the future graduates. It was a very emotional moment, his powerful voice invades the room. We all sat in unison at the end of the national anthem. Then the first guests of honor took the stage for his speech. I've never been to a commencement ceremony, but I knew we wouldn't miss the long speech portion. In the end I was right because the speeches lasted at least an hour or so. Yet most of the speeches were