Graduation or convocation ceremonies involve a great deal of organisation, on the parts of both the hosts and participants. This stage of studies is complete. Speeches have been thoughtfully crafted, and students have taken painstaking care (or not) over the right shoes, and more.

Valedictorians and other speakers have offered their bits of wisdom, and graduands have crossed the stage, shaken hands and smiled (or endured the spotlight they dislike) as they received their credentials – while parents and other loved ones snapped and messaged or emailed photos, cherishing this culmination of a multiplicity of efforts.

Here, we look at just a portion of a stage after the pomp and ceremony. The graduates have moved on to the reception with families and friends, and it’s all over except for vacuuming up the confetti and preparing for the next round.