“Graduation”, A word that has lots of feeling to it. A feeling of accomplishment, a feeling that a long hard journey has come to an end and that a whole new adventure is about to begin.

It seems such a long time ago that I first began to attend Singapore Management University. I remembered those first days when everything seemed so unfamiliar to me. I had entered a strange new world where everything was new, uncertain, exciting, and often scary.

Certainly my experiences at SMU were not all pleasant or easy. There were difficult courses, difficult assignments, difficult project and of course difficult exams. But nothing really important is accomplished without some share of difficulties. And these uncomfortable challenges each had their own distinct part to play in the development of my character. So I shall cheers to my tears and sweat!

And now, from my perspective as a graduate, I look back at SMU as a second home. Its seminar rooms, its group study rooms, its routines and culture, its many sights and sounds; and the faces and voices of many special friends will remain with me for the rest of your life. Good friends like JL, Porkie, Cupid, Mitch, Sherine, Von, A-zhen, Karen, Weihui, Martian, ZQ and many more will always be remembered.

There are also those members of my family who believed in me and encouraged me all along the way: people like Mom, Dad, Sis, God-ma and her family. My graduation is, of course, a happy event for them. But there is more to their pride than simply the happiness that comes from seeing success in someone they love. Theirs is the special pride that comes from being a part of my accomplishment.

And there were professors whose faces and voices I will recall for a lifetime: professors such as Prof. Linda, Prof. Pearl, Prof Dai, Prof. Tay and many others. What they have given me cannot be measured merely in terms of lesson plans and academic credits. They have broadened my horizons and contributed to my understanding and appreciation of life itself.

Many different things will be remembered about my graduation day - the weather, the laughter and joy, the sights and sounds, and the faces and voices of the formal gathering. But those who were there for my graduation will especially remember the happy moment when the name "Yuki Handoko" was announced. They watched with pride and delight as I came forward to receive my proper recognition from the Dean.

July, 11, 2009, is a day which will always hold a special place in my heart and in the minds and hearts of all those who care for me, for that was the day that my accomplishment was recognized as complete. It was on that day that I earned my Bachelor in Accountancy!

Thanks to all who wished me and those who came to the graduation day and I really appreciate those gestures! Thanks Shirl, Tingz, Fi, Steph and Silvi =)

So to all my friends and all 2009 graduates, Congratulations and May you achieve success in all the opportunities that come your way!

Labels: Random, Thoughts