With blistered aching feet, a well needed cold shower, and the comfort of my bed, it's finally the last time to say goodbye to the place i called my second home the past three years as well as to the family i had there.
It was the convocation ceremony today, and it was a sight to behold. Chaos pretty much reigned everywhere all at once. The nerves of walking on stage and the possibility of falling on your face in front of hundreds of people were on everyone's minds; Everyone taking pictures together in the graduation gown, even bracing the hot sun to take the best pictures by white walls with natural light. It was a day filled with emotions, a day of reminisce, a day of appreciation for those who have impacted us greatly throughout the past three years and for some it was a day of reconciliation.
For me, i was mostly sad to leave, scared to leave the familiar behind, but excited for what is yet to come, and grateful for all that the knowledge, personal growth, memories, opportunities, and friends i had fro the last 3 years.
We had to queue while our names were called out by a lecturer on stage. In that time of waiting, i passed by lecturers whom have not taught me before and student ushers of whom i worked with before (i feel so grateful about this), and they recognised me immediately greeting me with their smiles, jokes and sincerely congratulated me, wishing me the best in my journey ahead. I was touched and most grateful about this, as i realised not many students have the opportunity to work with so many people in school, and i am glad that i have not let that opportunity go to waste because through it i met and forged friendships with so many others. As my name was called out, i hoped to God that i wouldn't fall and wondered why after three years the lecturer who has known me and taught me, couldn't get my name right, haha. (I'm joking Irene :P)
Walking down that short stretch on stage, hearing everyone whistling and cheering, it may seem silly and insignificant to some, but it was the grandest and best farewell I had. I have done my best for the school, serving it and the students, serving helping and being a genuine friend to everyone i knew, and the cheers were the best gift that day because it represents the appreciation and love i had from them on the last day i had in school. (excuse me while i tear now, i feel so blessed :') ) That short walk towards the director was the last of my journey in TP, the last hurrahs and goodbye calls of my service in TP and the institution's to me.
I'm thankful for all the experiences and all the friends i have made, I'm thankful that i have been able to be a friend to many and i hope that i have brought You glory.
Thank you everyone, friends and lecturers alike, who have molded me, helped me grow in knowledge and in my personal growth; For helping me realise my self worth and making my 3 year long journey in Temasek Polytechnic the best three years of my life filled with the best, most emotional memories.
Just like that after 3 years of theology and spoon-feeding, it seems that we are thrown immediately in to a sea of sharks and left to fend for ourselves to survive. I feel slightly like a lost bird but excited to face whatever is next in my life. i am experiencing Post Grad Anxiety and it's normal because we are left with the unknown and thrown out of our comfort zone. I fear, i fear the people the unknown, the dog-eat-dog world and my greatest fear is that i become like them, but i have to move on. I have no idea what to expect but i know that God has a plan for me, a plan never to harm me but to prosper me, a plan that gives me a hope and a future. This the end of a chapter and the start of a new one, and my story will develop the plot will thicken and contrary to modern beliefs i will end this book with a happy ending. Afterall, death is only the beginning. As for now, I'll just keep chasing my dreams, keep to His callings and my purpose, and if i do screw up along the way, i will give thanks because it means i am one step closer to success ;)
"Work hard, be so good they can't ignore you. Keep to your morals, keep to your integrity and don't stop fighting, because ultimately for any dream (or) for any goal, it takes a lifetime and why wouldn't you want to give it that? It is not a race, it is a journey. Enjoy the journey." – Gina Rodriguez
Love and God bless,
Cheryl Tomato
P.S. A small shoutout to a new friend who encouraged me to and motivated me to do something productive besides satisfying my desire to laze on my bed. A repercussion from three years of the denial of my desire to sleep for nights on end and laze in bed. Thanks matt! On a side note, I'll post another on my trip to Bintan soon :)
Any questions could be posted below and at http://ask.fm/cherrietomato or you can follow me at cherrietomato on Instagram or @toppingoflife on Twitter
