Convocation
I was intoxicated in the run-up to this big day of mine. It has been my nocturnal routine to stay hyper active the night before a 'Big' day.. I had a sleepless night… somehow I woke up at an unearthly time of 4am, and could not get a wink from then on. 2 hrs of tossing and turning on the bed was a torture…finally when the clock striked 6.30am, I gladly got out of bed to get dressed.
Set off for NTU at 10mins to 8. The traffic was slow on PIE in the proximity to Clementi, my bro decided to go another alternative way. Somehow he took the wrong turn and we ended up reaching NTU at 9am. Most of my course mates were already in their gown in the basement foyer. I hurried to the toilet to put on the weighty gown and mortarboard. I skimmed around the foyer, every graduates seemed to be powered by adrenalin and excitement, chattering away for the last time.
We were then ushered into the auditorium at about 10am. Auditorium was packed with parents and guests. Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan was present too. I was sitting at the 2nd row, 4th seat from the extreme right aisle. My ou xiang was 2 rows directly above me.
The ceremony finally commenced with fanfare blasting. Our professors, followed by President Nathan and the university mace marched into the audi, down the steps and up on the stage to grace the event. They were too robed in their respective blue and red PhD gown. I could not recognize many of the prof as they were in their ‘harry potter hats’. Spotted Gan, HHH, Miao, Tok, Tim White and the corrosion lecturer.
Dr Su Guaning delivered his lengthy and unsparing speech. After which, the PhD and Master graduands received their certs from President Narthan. It was a let down that we don’t get to shake Mr President’s hands. Instead, we received the folder from former CEO of Singtel cum HP cum SIA, Mr Koh Boon Hwee. I was trilled and enjoyed every moment on the stage to receive my well-deserved cert. Lucky I din trip or fall especially when I’m wearing those brand new heels for the first time.
The dignified ceremony ended with a valedictory speech by Fatwa, a fellow ISP project mate of mine. Although his speech was pretty light-hearted, I was choked with emotion. Flashback of varsity life started to reminisce in my head. It somehow tickled my lachrymal glands. With the advent of convocation, when will I meet my coursemates again.. It is always easy to talk about maintaining friendship, but it is a challenge to fulfil them. Although it may juz be a scant 4 years of uni life, it was definitely a very fulfilling one where many friendship were fostered. May memories etched forever....
Anyway, I was quite enthralled being involved in the 50th Anniversary Convocation special: The start of a new Nanyang Tradition. But everyone was more interested in snapping farewell shots with one another. Ultimately, it is once in a lifetime. Cameras whirred non-stop. I did not take photos with many people, only with some closer friends. It was quite messy, everyone was scattered around. I told my parents and bro to join the reception at the foyer of the auditorium while I continue snapping. It was kinda pity that I could not spot my ou xiang anyway in the vicinity. I returned to the Audi and saw Mr President. He was swathed entirely in the midst of crowd and bodyguards. Everyone wanted to take a photo with him. Well, I din get my chance..
Later, I met up with my clique at Yunan Gardens. On a scorcher of a day, I was drenched in sweat, wearing that impenetrable gown. But our zeal was not hampered at all. Thanz to my bro for he was our photographer.
Lucky mummy volunteered to exhange her shoes with me before they left. I dun think I could survived the journey to city hall in those heels. I’m just not used to heels. They always inflict acute pain and pressure on my legs.
We had a late lunch at cartel B4 proceeding to phototaking session at the Old parliament house and along Clarke Quey. We did not manage to go to esplanade as time wasn’t on our side. Jessica needs to go back Ntu for SE practices while YH was off to meet Desmond to buy luggages. YH is leaving for US on Friday and she will be back only after a month. Shiok eh!
I was drop dead tired when I reached home. here are some photos. *For better resolution pls view my imagestation*
