I was reluctant to go for the ceremony at first, but seeing Mak light up when she knew she would be attending her final and last child's graduation ceremony made me change my mind. For me, it was a pretty unplanned trip, as the tickets and the overall planning of the trip was last minute. The tickets were quite a bargain, far cheaper than the tickets I bought going back home for the holidays when I was there. So on the 7th of May, we were on a plane to New Zealand.
Arrived in Palmy after taking a flight from Auckland as usual, and were greeted by familiar faces of Hadi and Iylia. They took us to the motel of Fitzherbert. I was expecting to feel a bit lost, like a tourist, but I guess 6 months is not enough to make you feel like a stranger in your own home of 3 years.
The days leading up to the ceremony on the 10th were filled with hangouts at coffee where Mak and Kak Yang loved the cappuccino's at various coffee shops around Palmy. Visited the new wing of Plaza, and brought them to the campus. It was a shame that it was nearing winter, as the flowers were already getting ready to wither away in the cold. Mak would have appreciated the greenery and the vibrant colors. Also had the opportunity to hang out with the boys.
Graduation day started early for me as I had to collect the robe from the hokowhitu campus. Went along with Safwan, and got back to the hotel. It was still early so caught a couple more hours sleep. Got ready at around 11, and proceeded to town for coffee and waited a bit more until it was time to enter the theater where it was going to be held.
I made my way to my seat, and being the first time being in the regent, I was impressed and regretted not catching the theater or plays that were on offer when I was in Palmy. Was seated next to Marveys, which was cool as I had someone to talk to while the ceremony took place.
Waited for half hour or so till it was my turn. Alhamdulillah, it went smoothly, did not make a fool of myself on stage, and was capped by the chancellor of Massey, shook his hand and proceeded off the stage and back to my seat. 3 years and thousands upon thousands of dollars spent, and the climax was those 20 seconds on stage of the chancellor. But having said that, I am proud of my degree.
I am proud of myself that I held out to go to New Zealand, and wanting to live and experience. I am proud that I did not give up when I failed those papers that set me back a half year. I am honored to meet the people I met when I was there and left still calling them friends. I am especially proud that I proved that going away means you have to compromise or let go of your morals, principals and your iman. I am not perfect but I know now that I am who I am regardless.
I know that not all if any who I thank here will know or read this, but thanks to all that have supported and believed and have guided me throughout that stage. I know now I have a whole new phase, chapter to learn and make mistakes, and hope that all will be there for that too.
