The event, which took place on 10 June in the Aula Magna on the Barcelona Campus and was hosted by Silvia Recoder, a lecturer in the Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, had a highly original format, in which the patron of the graduating class, Dr Carmelo Vázquez, swapped the traditional speech for an interview with Rosa Vilanova and Mariona Soler, two of the recent graduates. This initiative provided the expert in Positive Psychology the opportunity to transmit his ideas and messages to his new colleagues, engaging those present in an enriching conversation which touched upon numerous aspects of the world of Psychology and the importance of loving what you do.

During the interview, Dr Vázquez reminded the recent graduates of the exceptional nature of their class, one forced to successfully navigate a pandemic, a truly unique learning experience. The patron also shared his view of happiness in life and the three pillars on which it rests: well-being, satisfaction with one’s station and living life with meaning. “It is essential that you do something that is good and which you like. Knowing that you are contributing to something that transcends you is the key to a good life,” remarked Dr Vázquez, giving the recent graduates food for thought. Lastly, the patron of the graduating class encouraged the new alumni to address the challenges facing Psychology in the 21st century: “To redefine what it means to live well, discover what makes us truly human in this technological world and refocus our attention without depending on screens.”

The ceremony continued with the placing of sashes and the awarding of diplomas to the graduates, along with the award for the graduating class’s most outstanding student. This award, entitled “Therapeutic Element” of “student E.T.”, went to Rosa Vilanova. Afterwards, Clara Arrieta and Judit Fernández, on behalf of all the students, delivered a speech in which they reflected on their time at UIC Barcelona and thanked their classmates and family members for all the support they received during their degree.

Next, Dr María Gámiz, director of the Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, stressed the importance of using their knowledge to provide quality care, as well as the fact that Psychology is not only a science, but also an art. She urged the graduates to not only be good psychologists, but also psychologists who are good, to use their knowledge and skills to provide the right answers and have a positive influence on people’s well-being with their values and integrity.

Lastly, the rector of the University, Dr Alfonso Méndiz, brought the event to an end with a speech in which he called on the graduates to be good professionals and good people and invited them to return to what is now their home away from home, after asking the by that point former students to give their families a round of applause. “The meaning of your work will determine how you handle the bad times and value the good ones.”