Graduation: Ceremony of Moments & Memories

Hello, co-Hivers! How are you doing today? It's been a month since I've been busy and inactive due to my errands and practices in school. But it's fine now. I hope this time I can let myself be active again since I've been missing writing some blogs, poems, and stories. I also hope that all of you are still doing fine and healthy.

For my blog today, this was one of my best memories and experiences I had last June 26, 2024, a day which I never expected to be part of this journey. I wonder if you remember my graduation blog I posted last year? Last year, I was doing cross swords with my buddies and seniors for the graduation of Class Batch 2023, but this time, it was now my turn to experience being a graduate student for Class Batch 2024. To clarify if it was real, Yes! I graduated just last Wednesday, under the Two-Year Associate Computer in Technology course in BS in Information Systems. This was the best moment I've ever had, because not only did my close friends graduate alongside me, but also of the unexpected awards I received that day. Anyway, I will share and tackle this later, as I have some short moments to share. So let's start!

This was the picture I captured during our final day of rehearsal. As expected, I arrived a little bit late due to some traffic, and many people were already there, as I noticed they were excited to practice the graduation ceremony. A few minutes later, our guidance coordinator started our practice. Also, I was happy to see our NSTP Juniors, were doing the cross swords at our graduation. One more thing, this day was the first shocking expression I had, as my permanent seat at the back (since I was the last person based on my surname) was now at the front. Noticing those Academic Awardees sitting at the front, suddenly made me realize I was one of the students who would receive an academic award, which makes me happy and proud at the same time. Our practice continued until we ended at around 1 pm, as our practice was just a half-day.

Time to skip...

JUNE 26, 2024: GRADUATION DAY

This is it! The moment I've been waiting for!

The day came as our graduation day happened. Well, it wasn't a graduation ceremony, because this morning there was a Baccalaureate Mass first, as it was stated in our graduation guidelines and program. As a fellow Catholic, it requires me to attend as part of the blessings and gifts I received from Almighty God. Although I was a little bit late, still I've managed to finish the mass. After the mass was finished, I sat for a while, waiting for the next part of the program which was the Hooding Ceremony, (for the 4th Year Graduates) and Recognition Ceremony, one of the reasons why I attended because I have awards to receive for this morning.

The Hooding Ceremony and Recognition Ceremony is finally started. Looking at the parents attaching the hood for their daughters and sons makes me happy. I hope I will reach that one soon. After the hooding was done, it was now time for the Recognition Ceremony. I felt nervous right now, as I was thinking about the awards that I was going to receive. When it was time, I gradually ran out to the stage to get it. I had an embarrassing moment at that time because when my second award was announced, I didn't manage to get it as I went to the right side of the stage late (but I get it after the recognition program ended). Still, I was happy because I didn't expect to receive these two awards, the NSTP Awardee and Service to the Program Awardee in our department.

End of the morning program...

Afternoon program...

Now, for this program, we went in line first so that we could go inside the assembly hall. (Looks like the people in that picture were very excited to feel that they were graduating). I felt excited and nervous at the same time because I was imagining getting up to the stage to get the award. Until we get inside the hall, take pictures with my friends, escort my parents to the SMX hall, and prepare to get in line for the processional. Anyway, SMX is the venue where we held our graduation.

After a few minutes of waiting, the program started, so we started to march inside the hall. The nervousness that I feel becomes more intense as I marched and went to my permanent seat while waiting for the others to also march and proceed to their seats. Finally, we sat down after the Invocation and singing of the National Anthem.

This picture is a part where the Dean started their speeches. It was a bad part for me because I was not feeling well due to my dysmenorrhea. Luckily, one of the ushers noticed it, so I sought help for her to get an ice pack for compression. The announcement of the Academic Awardees was still ongoing and minutes later, I finally got well when it was our turn to go up on stage. After that, the City Mayor spoke up for her inspiring messages to all graduates, including the Magna Cumlaude (Valedictorian) to provide her amazing speech. I was shocked at how she told us about her experience during her elementary until college days. (I'm so proud of her). 😊 Now, it was time to give us the Diploma, so while still waiting, I hurriedly took a picture and it looked like all the graduates were well-behaved. Another picture on the right side is where we did our graduation song and dance. Although I had another embarrassing moment of throwing my toga at that time, I was still overwhelmed by the presence of all the graduates enjoying those moments as they sang and danced.

Yay, time to end our graduation ceremony. After we did the last part of the program, which was the recessional, I hurriedly went to my parents to have a picture with them. After taking a picture with them, I ask my younger sister to take a picture of myself as part of my moments and memories. Holding my awards, NSTP Awardee, Service to the Program Awardee, and Academic Excellence Awardee, I can say that this is one of the unexpected moments I've received and I wanted to say thanks to my dear Almighty God for guiding me in this journey. I have many moments and experiences in any graduation, but this part (although it was the initial part of my journey because I had another two years to comply) was one of the best graduations I've ever had.

Before I finally end my blog, I would like to express congratulations to all graduates, including one of my friends, and to my dearest "Ate" who also graduated same with my course. I hope they're doing fine and enjoying the rest of the month of vacation they deserve.

"CLASS BATCH 2024 IS NOW SIGNING OFF!"