Graduation.

There are certain things in life you would never fully grasp until you find yourself acquainted with the situation first-hand. Falling in[and inevitably] out of love for the first time, the pain of breaking a bone, realising how much of a Thai milk tea addict you are, and graduation.

I never fully fathomed graduation, and skipping it altogether was once an option. I remember walking past a session that was underway an evening last year, and somehow just cannot comprehend that sense of festivity that enveloped the venue. I learned later, it's a gradual process that goes far beyond the handshakes, sweating underneath our gowns and bad catered food.

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I had the hardest time trying to articulate my thoughts about graduation. This space has been written and re-written to the point I wanted to just not write it altogether. I didn't get to reflect on the events of the day till much later. Hell, there was a time where not attending altogether was an option. After all, this is just a diploma. But in hindsight, it gave me so many insights and reminders about my own life - always go out of your comfort zone.

Growing up, I'm very used to being in comfortable situations. I was lucky to have parents who let me do what I want. Have a tuition I hate? It's ok, quit. Have a class you can't wake up for? Ok, you can skip it, but just this once alright? Simply put, when the tough gets going, I withdraw immediately.

From the first few weeks of school I had to transfer to NYP just because I was put in a class where the social construct was off. Though till today we didn't manage to find resolution, but hey, that is ok. Life isn't about being in situations where everything fits your glove.

After two weeks in NYP, I had to eat my words and return to class here in SP. I still remember one thing my lecturer said - "Sometimes, different roads may take you to the same destination." Learn to take it easy, you're in your teens. At least clouding through the fields will get you somewhere. It always beats making calculated actions and not making a move in the end.

The past three years, I've been so lucky to have learned the things I did. But far far, far beyond the

theoretical and practical skills, I learned the most from the people around me. And these human interactions don't happen by chance. They are active choices made, unique experiences that has to be sussed out.

I was looking through the photos and I realised one thing. Those people I regard friends, are met through the most unlikely circumstances, often a result of me stepping outside of my comfort zone. I learned later that the closest of ties are bonded not through forced communion, but instead accidental discoveries and blue-moon-like occurences.

It could be a masterclass, overseas trip, practicum or happy birthday text. I wouldn't have gotten to acquaint myself with a bunch of creative geniuses had I just simply do what was comfortable - had I chose to simply exist.

Graduation reminded me: that no matter what, push yourself. For every time you decided to step out, you reaped so much more than what you've lost. Graduation celebrated me: that the past three years hasn't been a smooth sailing ride. But you've made it. Your hard work, it paid off. Your passion, you found it. Graduation reflected me: keep doing, keep the grind on. The things you've done today has just scratched the surface. Stay hungry and keep learning.

To end this, I've to admit sadness pangs from the core. While I relish that it finally happened, it's still settling in this is the last time I might be seeing some contemporaries I hold close. You know, those people you genuinely like and care for, but you know that chances of crossing paths again in the future are slim.