I did not receive flowers nor pricey gifts. We did not go to an expensive restaurant to eat. Yet, the warm kind of bliss still lives in my memories, rent-free.
Recently, I have read a few articles talking about celebrations. Through those, I was able to remember mine, and realize, that I have celebrated countless times in my twenty-two years of existence. One thing haven't changed. I always celebrated with my family.
This is my take to the anniversary giveaway that was hosted by a fellow writer here. For mechanics and other important information, please read through until the end. The ones I have read are recommended below, you are invited to read their entries.
I also have recently celebrated my birthday last September 2nd, and wrote an article of how my birthday went. (Sayang lang at hindi umabot para sa giveaway na ito. LOL) So now, I will just share about another memorable event in my life: my college graduation.
It was indeed a beautiful part of my memory, because it meant that I was able to successfully overcome the toughest possible hurdles of education. My student life has been hard, especially since highschool, and it got harder in college. Actually, I have shared about some of the specific trials I had to face back in college, in one of my old articles (I put it in the end of this part). You can just read them next after this. I just wanted to explain why this graduation day was special to me.
I saw my diploma as the token of reward for my being strong and persistent. It's the outcome of my decision to not give up, despite those sleepless days and nights, and years filled with anxiety, pressure, as well as health and financial setbacks. It was a proof that I have won. All glory be to God. I can't thank Him enough.
April 30, 2019
The graduation ceremony started at twelve or one in the afternoon. But we all woke up early. My older sister was at work. My younger brother was with us at home.
Mom is the one that chose, bought, and ironed the blue dress for me. She also ironed my toga. All done the night before the graduation.
I was so excited. Though I already know how the graduation will go (since we practiced it many, many times before), I am still elated, and thrilled. I had a good bath, and a bit of rest.
Mom did the make up for me. I could never. Well, until now, I don't know much about make ups. Oh, have I said that I had my frizzy hair rebonded three days before the 30th of April? Mom actually scolded me a bit because I did not even get myself something gold or beautiful hair accessory to at least adorn my straight hair. I literally had nothing to decorate my hair. If mom would not do my make up, I wonder if I'd really look like someone who'll attend an important ceremony. Thanks, mom.
Father and younger bro were mom's best assistants that day, as I can remember. They helped preparing my shoes, my dress from the cabinet, the bag to bring, and of course the toga and graduation cap, father held carefully as it's hung on a hanger.
Luckily, a batchmate of mine messaged me the same day to just come with them because they had a van, to which I did not hesitate to say yes to. We were spared the trouble of commuting. Younger bro did not come with us, to look after our house.
Fast forward to the ceremony per se, it went well. What I loved most is the inspirational speech of the guest speaker that time. Even the event was supposedly formal, she made all of us laugh with her words. And of course, I had learned amazing insights from her. She's admirable.
Mom and Dad were not able to accompany me to the stage to get my diploma, but just the fact that they saw me on stage finally graduating, is more than enough for me. I am sure, they are so proud, and relieved. I am the product of all their blood, sweat, and tears. I am so happy, that my father was also able to come. It was months after his hospitalization. God really had a beautiful plan that was just laid like that.
After the ceremony, we did not come home immediately. We looked for a nearby fastfood restaurant to have a hearty meal. The restaurant we found is called Chowking, a popular fastfood chain here in the Philippines, with lots of branches nationwide.
Yes, it was the main celebration. We ordered the foods we like, and had a happy, light-hearted conversation. Congratulatory messages from many people that I know made me happy, but hearing those from my parents and my siblings is the best. Actually, I should have congratulated them back, because I won't be where I am if not because of them. Maybe, my struggle to express myself better had the best of me that time.
Those were thirty minutes of bliss. Finally, we are not talking about stressful expenses anymore. I am over those days of complaining and battling frustrations not just with my grades, but with other personal problems caused by my studies. For the first time in a while, we are not talking about things that used to worry or burden us. Mom took a lot of photos, and I am sure those were still kept on her phone. Sadly, my own photos are not here with me, because my old phone was stolen.
After the meal, we went back home. Nothing more than that. No after-event, but you know what's euphoric? Seeing my parents walk with me with their head held high. Those scenes are still fresh in my mind.
Some of the neighbors or aquaintances would ask where we came from, with all the unusually celebratory outfits. And our parents would answer them with smiles on their faces: Oh, our daughter graduated today. We have a college graduate now.
They said I am their trophy. They are proud that I did not give up and just continued even the journey was hard. My success was a product of prayers, efforts, and support from my family. They are my driving force.
Whenever I felt like giving up, I would remind myself that my older sister sacrificed going to college to give way for me and work to support the family. Then my brother who has always looked up to me. Our spiritual family that always rooted and prayed for me. Especially, my mom and my dad's strong desire to have children that would successfully finish college, because none of them did. And of course, God. Because I am His scholar. He helped me financially, and gave me knowledge, wisdom, will and strength to overcome the trials, and be a conqueror in the end.
I will always say that my student life, especially my college life was indeed hard. I had many breakdowns. I doubted myself a lot, questioned my own abilities, intelligence, and had many thoughts of just surrendering everything. There were lots of disappointments, frustrations, sufferings, fears, and tears. Thanks to my support system that made everything bearable. I could not do it all alone.
We might not have some grand celebration, or some sort of a getaway or travel plan to celebrate my graduation. However, I know deep inside that in our hearts, we rejoiced. It was a combination of relief, gratitude, and joy.
That diploma is more than just a piece of paper to me. Whenever I'd see it, I will always remember how in one instance of my life, I was victorious. I have ran the race, and finished it.
I finally made it! Isn't that alone worth celebrating?
Wow, that was fun.
It is so nice looking back to memories more than two years ago. I still could not believe sometimes, that I was able to get through and survive those trying times. I am, and will always be thankful.
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Published: 09/16/2021
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What great love there is in your story. Love can do it all. The love for God, your parents, your family and yourself, was the engine that drove you to reach your goal. Beautiful graduation celebration, no matter how simple it was, love covered it all.