8 Wonderful Things on My Graduation Day

After four excruciating years studying part-time for my master’s degree and one year waiting patiently for the convocation ceremony, the much-anticipated day had finally arrived. These are some of those wonderful things that really mattered to me.

1. Jimi’s Exceptional Company

To make up for my parents’ absence, Jimi came for an unexpected rescue. He knew that I had to fulfill my second chance for a more proper celebration. And he knew that I had to do it the right (or wrong) way no matter what happened. So he came, proudly sitting there on my parents’ reserved seat. Indeed, with his presence, I could feel the company of all my family members.

(Thanks Jimi – you truly completed my special day.)

2. Ayie’s Chaotic Hospitality

Oh, you’ve heard of him. Watch out – he can be hysterically nasty. Yes, having the over-the-board Ayie around me during the convocation day made things so chaotically wonderful. He was my incredible host, my talented make-up artist, my art director of photography and, most of all, my best ex-housemate.

(Thanks Ayie – you coloured my amazing day with that delightful attitude.)

3. Azrai’s Heartwarming Laughter

I don’t know what to do in my life without Azrai. If Digi has a yellow man to follow its customers everywhere, I have Azrai to follow me to every important day in my life. He chatted frantically, advised wisely, laughed heartwarmingly, took photos enthusiastically and, most importantly, slept musically, hehe.

(Thanks Azrai – you presence added the spice in my sugary life.)

4. Little Sister’s Tender Look

She was the only biological family member who made it there. Currently pursuing a Law degree in the same institution, she was supposed to celebrate her graduation day with me. For some reasons, she was only there to watch me rejoicing my sweet victory. But I knew that she was not discouraged. She gave me that proud and inspiring look that tenderly melted my heart.

(Thanks sis – your own graduation day will come and look for you very soon.)

5. Shazlee’s Fun Outdoor Photography

Shazlee was my personal photographer. He was my ex-student who survived his deadly malady – a cancer. His presence symbolized my dream for a perfect graduation day. I wanted every detail to be artistically captured and beautifully remembered. And Shazlee did just that – a real splendid job. He was incredibly patient and professional despite the stormy weather and the demanding requests from Ayie – his unofficial art director, haha.

(Thanks Shazlee – I really look forward for the great photobook.)

6. Coursemates’ Endless Smiles

There were only 8 lucky graduates for my course. And I was one of the rare two male graduates. Gufron was smiling – he was my Indonesian coursemate who is now a lecturer at Genting INTI International College. Deeba was smiling – she is a lecturer at Universiti Tenaga Nasional. Sheema was smiling – she is a lecturer at UiTM Perak. I was smiling too – why not? I am attached to one of the best universities in Malaysia.

(Congratulations my dear friends – we really made it!)

7. The IIUM’s Brand New Look

In conjunction with the 25^th anniversary, UIA introduced a new robe’s design. The colour was changed from green to turquoise, the university’s corporate colour. Most importantly, mortar board was introduced despite the controversial objections from some concerned parties. Personally, I was proud to be among the first batch of graduates wearing the significant headgear. Oh, the song! For the first time ever, UIA introduced its official song entitled “Leading the Way”. I had goose bumps listening to the melodious, inspiring, Disney-like song. It reminded me of one of the songs in Hercules soundtrack, hehe.

Let’s lead the way

Enlighten the future

Share the wisdom

Through the spirit of Islam

Revelation and reason

We shall excel

We shall prevail

Merging faith and knowledge

We’re the Khalifah

We’ll fulfill the Amanah

Together

We make the world a better place

Forever

Expand the culture of Iqra’

IIUM is to realise

The meaning of Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin

For all mankind

(So who says UIA doesn’t have a song?)

8. The Conferment’s Symbolic Moment

The moment of truth was revealed when I was officially conferred a degree by the Hon. Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hj Hassan, the latest president of UIA. It was the moment that signified perseverance and conquest. And that was just the beginning for my next step towards doctoral studies. One thing for sure, this particular moment will definitely end up being framed and hanged nicely on the wall of my parents’ house, haha.

p.s. I can be contented for my birthday next week. I have got the precious gift already.