Posted by nick in April 25th, 2008

Indeed, graduation is one of the much anticipated event in a student’s life, and a much more awaited moment of our dear parents. Our academic struggles has finally ended. No more worries from assignments and projects, no more headaches and heartaches from our terrorist professors. And most of all, no more unwanted stories of cockpit and gambles.

The joyous atmosphere is viral, contaminating everyone in the plenary hall. Everyone is very very excited and enthusiastic about what’s going to happen. As I was gazing everyone around the hall, although I’m not surprised, I just can’t help myself to be amazed and overwhelmed to see everyone wearing that sincere smile and happy face. “This is it!” I told myself as I am beginning to focus on what I’m feeling as of that moment. I’m very happy too, although some emotions tend to mix with it, that happiness have risen over it all.

The distribution of the diploma was one of the most awaited part, the moment where everyone has its own piece of the stage, luckily for me, I was given two chances, one for the diploma, and another for my Latin award. During those moments, I tend to look at everyone, from the faculties to all of my fellow graduates, silently thanking everyone for all those years that I have spent with them.

And so after a few hours of sitting, standing, marching, and some boring speakers, the graduation rites finally concluded. The recessional parade have gone horribly wrong, everyone’s having their own exit. But that doesn’t matter anymore. What was important during those minutes is to approach as many friends you can approach, give that precious handshake and give everyone a click of the camera, the last remembrance each can have for everybody. And so, that’s what I did.

Now, everything is beginning to sink in. All emotions that have been trying to mix up during the graduation rites finally comes out to identify themselves. Fear and loneliness got their own place. Afraid of what’s in store for me ahead, and loneliness for the implicated goodbyes of the previous graduation. Yes, I hate to think that it could be the last hugs, the last handshakes, the last camera clicks I’ve ever got from those people who I’ve spent my 4-year college life with. But I know, although it’s hard to accept the fact, still I have to accept that goodbyes are inevitable, that goodbyes are really part of the reality of life. Along with such acceptance, I know that I must learn to cope up with the transition. This will be hard, but as everyone keeps saying, Life must go on. So I must! This is the start of my own journey, separate from all the people I used to go along with. The different paths that we will go on could measure the individuality of everyone of us.