20th Jul 2018: My Graduation from SIM-UB With Lenson

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Happy Graduation to Chairchu and penutzz!

To myself and Lenson. HAHA.

We're finally going up the stage almost 1 year after receiving our transcript and cert.

When I was much younger, parents and relatives used to constantly remind me that studying hard is important so that I can go into a good university and get a good job in the future. It was established then that a university degree was a prestige, and will give you an edge over many.

There days, many people stopped studying after obtaining a Diploma and go straight in to work for experience. Which is very very valuable. A lot of times, experience can be more sought after than a cert. There's no right or wrong, should or should not. I've always believed in pursuing what I did was best for me.

Which is why I will never regret choosing my path to a degree from The State University of New York at Buffalo, at SIM. It wasn't about society's expectation, but more of a goal I've set for myself since young. To obtain a university degree.

Here at SIM, many fond (as well as not so fond) memories were made. Some people became precious friends. Others were acquaintances. And a handful become people who I wish I didn't waste time and effort on.

The ceremony was an emotional one for me. It was emotional because my parents were there in the same hall witnessing my graduation. It was emotional as I shifted my tassle from one side to the other. It was emotional as I watched my peers went up the stage one by one.

It was especially emotional as I thought back on all the times I thought I was gonna die while being a student, since I started schooling to my university days. Times when I couldn't handle the homework. Times when I broke down after lessons. Times when toxic people and broken friendships made me question my existence.

Suddenly, all those unpleasant memories didn't matter anymore.

I made it. That matters.
I've made my mum proud. That matters.

My brother came down to my school that day too. Which makes me really happy. My family have been the greatest source of my motivation and drive to not give up, whether on myself or my studies (and the part time jobs I took up).

On this day, the most precious people were there with me. Other precious folks like my wives, and Boon were not because I didn't ask them but I'll always be grateful to them too. They have been my pillar of strength and support since secondary days when I knew them.

SIM is also where I met my life partner. The journey has been nothing short of amazing. It was no fairytale yet there were magical moments.

We started hanging out more when we gamed together. L4D2, Blackshot, and that's we realize we had a lot of common interest. Then it became completing each other's sentences and seemingly being able to read each other's thoughts.

My soulmate.

Our relationship has evolved over the many months that we've been together but that's reserved for another day, maybe somewhere nearer to our marriage date. And yes, we are getting married this year, September.

But let's not go there today because the spotlight is on the graduates! Here comes the pictures!





Thank you Father and Mother for the graduation bouquets!





Thankful for these friends!

Went to have dinner with my family and Lenson after that. Happy happy day!

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