After 2 years of toiling between work load and study, I have finally graduated on November 30th, 2013.
My family and I drove all the way to Penang because all the hotels in Kedah and Perlis were fully booked. I received the convocation letter only 3 weeks before the commencement of the ceremony. One of the many 'perks' of being an off campus students.
On the 29th, we made a move to Kedah, to UUM, to collect the robe, hood and mortar board. I had to pay RM5 for the convocation bag to stuff all those mentioned items above. Another RM50 for pictures in the convocation hall and RM140 for the obligatory family photo, with the background of book rack, you know the deal.
What I can say is, UUM is very entrepreneurial, everything has to be paid.
There were booths set up even at the convocation hall. The payment slip for pictures in the hall of you receiving the scroll was collected seconds after you were at the stairs leading up to the main stage. What a mood spoiler.
Overall, I spent almost 1k for all this flashy display and finally was awarded Masters in Applied Linguistics. I understand why 2 of my coursemates didn't attend the long and strenuous event.
Despite that, receiving the scroll from Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Dipertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Almu'tasimu Billahi Muhibuddin Tuanku Alhaj Abdu Halim Mua'dzam Shah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Badlishah was an indescribable experience that only happened once in a lifetime.
And seeing the recipient of Pingat Emas for 6 semesters of attaining Dean's List made me think life is unfair as during my first degree, I slaved away to get 12 semesters of Dean's List but no proper recognition was given. The same for my second degree. Attaining between 3.8 to 4.0 CGPA but no recognition too. Maybe it was because during my first degree, it was a twinning programme. And for my second degree, it was an off campus programme. Maybe for my third degree, I had to take a sabbatical and pursue full time study in one particular university.
From a reserved girl in school that nobody noticed, to a broken woman from shitty relationships, to a defeatist and pessimist, now I rose above the challenges and achieve this feat. Now, I won't doubt what I can do and how far I can push myself. Because I know I am worth it and I can do what others told me I can't.
Believe in yourself and you shall see what you are made of.
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