It has been two years without the OLD-NORM GRADUATION in Malaysia.
This is so sad for the graduating batches of 2020 and 2021.
The grand culmination of their blood (for Medical and Biomed students), sweat and literally tears had been snatched away by the coronavirus pandemic. What did they have to settle for?
Graduation via zoom wearing shorts and a nice top!
Here are my students minutes 
before their final examinations
and their graduation, pre-pandemic.
Hand phones left on invigilators' table.As the clock struck 9,
My students eventually get to the finish line. Some maybe a semester or two later, but they do finish their marathon!
A highlight for parents to witness their "rascals" on the thresh hold of their careers.
One wanted to be a Formula One race driver and I hope he made it. Others became lecturers, scientists, doctors, air steward, singers, insurance copy writers, fashion writer (my Honours male student), marketing executives, entrepreneurs and a host of other fantastic careers.
These "kids" taught me that an Honours Degree in Biomedical Science did not limit their career options!
GRADUATION - tis' the only time in his life a REAL MAN gets to proudly carry his flowers and soft toys.
For FOUR years, I saw my boys and girls in their jeans and T-shirts. I have often wondered if they sometimes attended my 8am class in their pyjamas.
But, overnight like caterpillars turning into butterflies, my BOYS in their suits and neckties morphed into remarkable handsome MEN
and my GIRLS into beautiful young LADIES.
I felt like another proud "parent."
Of course you felt like a proud parent - and were very, very happy to see the beautiful butterflies your students became.
ReplyDeleteGreat job with the humorous take on the prayer. I think we can all understand how you felt like a proud parent. I was especially moved by the presence of the young women in light of what the Taliban is now inflicting on them inAfghanistan. I wish all of your students well, and great success in life.
ReplyDeleteMuch as I would like to take credit for the humurous poem, I can't. When I read it, I thought this was exactly how my students felt. In M'sia, it is equal education rights for all males and females. In fact, the percentage of female students is higher in the Biomed programme.
DeleteYou sound proud of your students, and the joy on their faces at graduation is the result of hard work, and that moment is sure to cherish their whole life. I feel sorry for those who miss their convocation, but I hope they do well in their career.
ReplyDeleteThere will be again only graduation via zoom this year. Graduation is where the entire class will be together for one last time. The pandemic has brought many challenges but the world will evolve to the changes.
DeleteCongratulations! It's much because of you that your students turn into butterflies like that.Sad what the pandemic has done for graduations, weddings etc etc all over but they all look proud as I can tell you are of them. :)
ReplyDeleteGraduation is also for the parents - to stand beside their children and cherish the moment, to know their efforts have not been in vain. It is a great realisation on both sides - the student in appreciation of their parents sacrifice and the parents that their young man or lady has completed another path in their journey.
DeleteIt's so nice to see these graduation photos, congrats to all the students that graduate even if it's different now doing it online!
ReplyDeleteHope you had a great weekend :) We managed to enjoy some time outdoors despite the colder than usual spring weather!
Away From The Blue
Glad that you are getting some time outdoors. Enjoy the Spring weather. I hear summer can get quite hot.
DeleteBeautiful pictures of your students smiling! It's easy to see your job makes them feel happy.
ReplyDeleteI think teaching is a wonderful career, I know I learnt more from my students than they learnt from me.
DeleteNice photos of the students. I feel so bad for all the teenagers that have missed out on normal high school. It's an experience all of them should have had. Congrats to the grads!
ReplyDeleteThe pandemic has indeed created a lost generation of children who did not receive a "normal" education.
DeleteWonderful to see the happy faces of students.
ReplyDeleteYes Ashok, students are happy and I am happier they are all ready for another journey in their lives.
DeleteOh so interesting darling
ReplyDeleteTQ, it is a great event for the students and ME
DeleteColours of the graduation gown with a different colour for each Faculty highlights the event. TQ
ReplyDeleteSometimes I feel grateful for being able celebrating my convocation inba proper way. But at the same time feel sad, when my sister and brother , and many students out there, cant feel the grand of celebration 😔. It's different of course saat merayakannya via zoom online or other online channel ..
ReplyDeleteI still remember my convo when was held at KL and my younger sister's held at USM Penang :D.
Congrats for your students 🎉.. They prove themselves as tough as a rock, karena tak mudah graduate di saat pandemic seperti ini :(