With a pop and the balloons drop..
AlumNUS is what National University of Singapore (NUS)’s Alumni call themselves. After spending 4 good years in this place, it was finally my turn to graduate officially yesterday. A ceremony where we hear inspirational words from our valedictorian and deans, where we sing the national anthem last time as a student, where we had our three seconds of fame when we received our scrolls on the red carpeted stage and smile to the camera in front and think to ourselves – “hey, ive finally graduated! Now what…?” I shall not comment much on “now what…” because i’m still in the search of it.
But it is also true that such ceremonies are much more dedicated to our parents who have seen us through our 20 odd years of education. Perhaps also a form of relief to them that somebody is finally going to start contributing to the household allowance too. But more than that, i know that my parents are proud of me. Partially because i’m the only graduate in the family and even so in my dad’s extended family. I’m glad i’ve done my parents proud! By yet the funniest thing is i didnt feel that i’ve done myself proud. I know it sounds contradictory but the standards that i’m comparing myself to are to the huge number of graduates out there. Of course, i understand the idea of how comparing with others makes you miserable.
Commencement was meant to be a celebration..a second celebration to me. The first has already been well-celebration over graduation trip. And now, it marks the real beginning of life.
For all the memories made in NUS… i’m especially thankful to the times spent with NUS D’hoppers, NUS dance blast! (but i will still dance with guys whenever i can!), the friendships formed, the life lessons learnt and the holistic experience in uni.
Psychology Class of 2011
Also special thanks to Vampy (for fetching my family to super duper far NUS, the super expensive graduation bear, the graduation dinner), my 2 sis (for making the special trip down even if it means forgoing hours of sleep in the morning on your rest days), my parents (for all the love, encouragement and letting me live my life in a non-pressurising environment!)
My family & I.
Simply Photo-log:
The usual clique – Choon Peng, Justin, Jerome, Charmaine and I.
With Pearlene..
Me on the glass spiral stairs.
Lil sis with my mortar.
elder sis trying on the mortar.
My 2 sis.
Me with NUS famous “I WAS HERE”
My dad who is always fun loving
Graduation dinner with Vampy: Drunken prawns, chilli crab
Honeydew sago & Baby squid
All polodroids of the day.
Graduation Kiss.
Vampy Love & the grad bear he bought for me!
mom who wore the mortar the wrong side.
dad looking like a prof. lolx
Graduation is about tossing the Mortar.
Congratulations! Feel proud and happy that one chapter of your life has successfully closed, and so many more are about to open. It’s an exciting time, filled with opportunity as well as tension. Take the time to enjoy the feeling of accomplishment.
congrats on commencement! haha yep its time to head out and commence on our real life from now on =)
the wings are ready, i wish u a safe and exciting “flight” =)
Arr! hahas. thank yoU! YOU too! Be sure to stay in contact!
thanks adelaideben! hahas, i really wonder which is the big chapter of life coming up next! And it’s always good hearing words from someone more idealistic than realistic! At least my impression of you had been nearer to being idealistic!
THANKYOU!