This happened a whopping 4 months ago and honestly speaking memories of it aren't exactly very vivid anymore...but given that it is such a momentous event...definitely warrants a post.

Attended a couple of ceremonies prior to my own, can definitely feel the excitement building up. Family only arrived the night before and somehow I got a bit stressed settling them down and worrying about my chances of getting an extra ticket into the ceremony hall...each graduate is only given two tickets and I unsuccessfully balloted for an extra ticket for sis...so planned to go early to queue for last minute unclaimed tickets. In my imagination I pictured myself in the robing room, dressing up and my parents fondly checking and adjusting my attire while wearing a "I am so proud of you" smile (LOL imagination running wild) but it didnt happen because I was busy queuing for the extra ticket. I was like 5th in line for the ticket (that is how kiasu I was) so comfortably got it...but they only release those extra tickets 20minutes before the ceremony....hurriedly ushered my family into the hall while I went to dress up hence the scenario never materialize :S

Ceremony was pretty long but we were all busy catching up with each other and for those who have started work, they were sharing their stories as well. And of course the highlight of the day was our 10 seconds on stage of which some jokers choose to be make full use of that time while like most others, I opted the otherwise. Manage to mouth "Thanks Prof!" to my FYP supervisor who was sitting on the first row on stage too. Yep basically that's it about the ceremony. Spent ages trying to find my family among the crowd coz forgot to agree on a waiting location before the ceremony..and ended up didnt spend much time with them too coz they left early as I hunt down classmates to take pictures, so that they can rest a bit before our family photoshoot in the afternoon. Val made it to the ceremony too, as the only rep from Bru hahaha :)

4 years in the making....or should I say, 20 years, if you include pre-school....I almost can't believe the journey has ended. Though I am most glad I made it, considering I have somewhat started having confidence issues and even wondered, prior to release of results every sem...that if I will fail anything, including my FYP.  Have been asked during job interviews on why I chose to take up this course, and this is the period when I really look back and realize this is the most spontaneous yet important decision I have ever made...remember I only had two days or sth to make up my mind and I did. Convinced myself that I didnt mind doing CE even though I applied for ChE for all the unis I applied to, and all except NUS offered me. One thing I am sure is that I was glad that I didnt study ChE in NUS after all...but till this date I still can't tell if I made the right decision to do CE..considering I struggled throughout all 4 years, trying to understand things..which isnt always the easiest. To be honest I only know enough to do exams and there isnt even passion within me to know more, beyond of what I was taught. Though salvaged by the fact that there are still a couple of "softer" branches of CE which I am comfortable with, even then I am not sure if it is wise to plan my career around that.  All I wanted is to survive and get out there..and survive I did, with above average grades which I don't know if I deserve. But I dont suppose the correctness of the choice is important anymore...not that it can be changed..gotta just make use of what I have and move on from there.

Though sometimes, occasionally, still wonder what would have happened if I were to follow a different route, something probably less practical, but a lot closer to my dreams.

This is the period when you really feel..."this is it!" The working world...the seemingly endless world where you only have work to look forward to for the next few decades..it's no longer the cycle where you get promoted to another grade each year, or counting down to end of terms/semesters. It's just work...and if you are in luck..stiff competition to get promoted/office politics/backstabbing etc etc. Ready or not...you gotta go out to face it (for me I dont think there really is a choice).

Oh well. Graduated, and even though I miss school (not the part on FYP research)...I don't see myself going back for Masters/PhD etc...remember my interest isnt particularly great...unless I get really sick of work/there is a need for me to...but think its not very likely haha. Another way I can get back to this kind of schooling schedule is to teach..but think my degree only allows me to teach either Physics (loathe it) and Maths..so don't think I see myself there either.

That closes up the chapter on school...work updates next!