A Bittersweet Graduation
2020— SEEING GRADUATION FROM A DIFFERENT ANGLE
Tik-ti-la-ok! Tik-ti-la-ok! Tik-ti-la-ok!
This one old rooster seems to have a big responsibility in waking up people in my neighborhood. The owner must have been fully aware of how most of the tenants are from different provinces so it was a great idea to get a rooster. Waking up early by the sensational sound of the rooster while interrupted by the tingling sound of the alarm clock, I realized how little sleep I had. Five hours is not bad for an ordinary graduating college student. Children and parents are getting ready for school and work. Hearing the sizzling of fried eggs and smelling the aroma of the coffee, I have to admit that I missed morning routine in the province.
The clock ticktocks until I finally hear the booming voice of the taho vendor. How exciting it is watching the taho vendor pouring out the taho mixture into my regular coffee mug which made me wonder how tough it must be for him to prepare for work every day in order to feed his family and send his children to school.
As I was about to leave for school, I had to pause for a moment and wander around the boarding house, which had already become a home to most college students. I glanced at the hanging graduation picture frames of former boarders, and I told myself, “Hang in there, you’re almost done.”
The sun radiates so much heat that I could feel my body dripping with sweat as I walked toward the school. When I was coming near the gate, I can see how long the queue was outside of it. The only possible reason for this, I thought to myself, might be strict security checks for every student coming in. But then I saw one of the security guards pointing an infrared temperature gun at everyone’s forehead. The feeling of nervousness after walking under the heat did not help, so I tried to calm myself and breathe normally so that my temperature would drop to normal.
And I passed the temperature test. Phew! While walking through my college building, I heard murmurs about a new virus spreading all over the world. Rumors about class suspension due to this news were discussed by some group of students I passed by. One afternoon shortly afterwards, the president declared the unfortunate news that classes should be suspended. Some leaped in joy for a two-week-long suspension, yet I felt the opposite.
Everyone who is from the province returned immediately to each of their houses. Every van and bus terminal was filled with people coming home to provinces, most of whom carried big bags ready for a long break and wearing their face masks as they left the city. Not only were classes cut off but also small businesses closed because of the strict implementation of social distancing. And then suddenly, the city went silent.
*Kriiiing *Kriiiing *Kriiiing… A message popped up in a notification box from my instructor asking for an update of our thesis study. The long-distance communication between both my thesis partner and adviser is causing too much delay in finishing the task. Even amidst the situation of the worldwide pandemic and overwhelming social crisis, many students including me now had the opportunity to learn new skills and at the same time regain some rest while staying at home. Regardless of the difficulties brought by the pandemic, we did not cease to continue our task as a student. Rather, we encouraged one another to pursue the dream we have been wanting to achieve this year.
The education process changed like a snap of a finger because of an unforeseen circumstance that altered our view on living life however challenging it gets. The situation revealed the heart of every student’s consistency and determination despite the low internet connection and the invisibility of human interaction. When my group’s thesis presentation was canceled, the graduation rites were next, and so the feeling as a graduating student became increasingly strange.
I wonder how does it feel to be nervous and at the same time excited about defending a thesis study. I wonder how beautiful it gets seeing my parents and friends leap for joy as I march through the stage wearing my graduation cap and gown with a big smile shaking the hands of the instructors. But all of these dreams will only remain in my imagination. Sometimes unexpected circumstances lead to a purpose better than anyone’s plan and it will only make sense if we learn to accept the change that is constantly working through our lives. Whatever dream we hoped for in the future is brought by perfect timing and has already been planned out.
Sincerely yours,
Graduate of Batch 2020
I closed the only notebook I was able to bring home as I glared at the heat outside, and yet the trees and plants were so peaceful. Looking up at the sky, which is painted by the most magnificent color of blue that was filled in by the dancing softness of clouds, I could hear the birds chirping, resonating in harmony with the music I played. Highways are still empty and only a few people come out of their houses. I stared outside realizing how much change had happened for the seemingly two weeks of school break that eventually turned into two months.