Last Sunday, we gathered together for the last time.

I was greeted at our rendezvous point with a bouquet of flowers from my classmates.

It was so sweet of them because they knew I wasn’t looking to receiving any.

We registered at the hall before heading to the Robe section.

It was a little exhilarating to wear our graduation robe with an orange ribbon and the graduation hat.

It was warm wearing double layers and my hat keeps falling off.

To be honest, I reckon we kinda look like characters out of Harry Potter’s Hufflepuff house.

- – - – - – - – -

At three o’clock, we went through the Graduation ceremony in a solemn, nervous yet excited atmosphere.

One by one, we walked on stage when our names were called.

We bowed once to the Guests of Honors onstage.

Then, proceed to the middle of the stage to shake hands & receive our scroll from the Head of our University.

Before leaving the stage, we bowed once again to our lecturers, acknowledging them for their dedication.

Right before my name was called, I looked at the Director of my program who was announcing the names. He looked back at me and we exchanged brief smiles. I looked towards the huge assembly of guests and shifted my gaze to the VIPs onstage. I saw Datuk Loi holding out my scroll & felt the lights shining on me.

Suddenly I was overwhelmed with various emotions.

Finally.

It was our moment.

With my head held high, I walked up confidently to receive my hard-earned recognition.

- – - – - – - – -

After the ceremony, I received another pleasant surprise.

My close friends who were scheduled for next year’s Convo came by to congratulate us and they didn’t come empty-handed.

The girls gave me chocolates & handmade flowers and dear Phil presented me an adorable fluffy owl plushie wearing a Graduate hat!

I might have given a smaller response than anticipated but in truth I was really surprised and so touched that they actually took the trouble to come by to see us.

We then enjoyed hi-tea, exchanged latest news, hugs & took lots of photos.

Even though we were all laughing and with smiles beautifying our faces, deep down, there was an unmistakable sorrow which stems from the knowledge that it might be the last time we will ever see each other again.

Neither one of us wanted to let go, neither one of us wanted this day to end, neither of us said it, but we all felt it from the very core of our hearts.

From the grip of our handshakes, from the gentle husky tones of our goodbye’s, from the warm glow of our eyes, from the tightness we held each other, from the hugs & eye contacts which lasted longer than usual……

- – - – - -

All of us are from various walks of life not to mention different regions & nationalities, we were all united by fate in this one place we call Taylor’s. For the past few years of our lives together, we shared, we learned, we experienced and we grew together.

I am so very proud to see how we each came out to be a better person than before.

And I am equally if not more proud that I have known all of you, as classmates, teachers, friends, pals and most of all as a family.

It is sad to know that we will be separated now, each of us going our own way in life.

It might be true that we will not see each other for a very long time or perhaps ever again.

This cruel revelation cuts through my heart like a sharp blade.

- – - – - – -

Yet, we must remember to be thankful that we DID meet at all.

We must not forget our bond and what we have been through together.

Yes, we need to keep faith and always believe that

someday, somewhere, somehow, we will meet again.

Never lose this hope, my friends.

I wish you all great success.

May we each strive on for the future we want to build.

I love you all.

And I will surely miss you all dearly.

God bless.