By Michael Dimin anak Christopher Christie
A convocation ceremony is symbolised as the indicator that one has succeeded in completing their degree life. It signifies the accomplishment of a student’s degree programme and recognises their effort, commitment, and intellectual development throughout their academic career.
The 27th Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Convocation Ceremony, which took place from November 6 to 9 this year at the Gemilang Arena, DeTAR Putra, saw a total of 3,897 graduates receive their respective degrees, the outcome of their unwavering pursuit of knowledge during their time at UNIMAS.
The 27th UNIMAS Convocation Ceremony served as a springboard for the graduates as they entered the next stage of their lives, not just a conclusion.
The degrees awarded represented not only academic achievement but also tenacity, willpower, and the ability to succeed in the face of intellectual difficulties.
As they celebrated the recent convocation ceremony, I engaged with several alumni to get their thoughts about the unforgettable day and what lies ahead for their next journey.
As for Hamdan Bin Sapri, he felt content with his current achievement as a degree holder but had to bid farewell to the place where he used to learn and create memories. His expression of joy hinted at bittersweetness, representing nostalgia merged with pleasure as he reflected on his four-year journey in UNIMAS.
Hamdan’s reflective mood and his sense of nostalgia emphasise how important it is to take the time to think back on the past. One’s ability to value the experience, recognise personal development, and treasure the memories made can all be facilitated by nostalgia.
The convocation was a testament to his unwavering commitment despite academic struggles and emotional issues. He said there were moments when it seemed like the easiest thing to do was give up.
However, Hamdan understood that each obstacle presented a chance for development, and he found the willpower to go on with the help of the people who had faith in him.
This story demonstrates how obstacles can present chances for growth and development on a personal level.
Hamdan found the inner strength to overcome challenges rather than seeing them as overwhelming. This illustrates how struggles can transform a person.
As all the alumni enter the post-graduation phase, they are filled with hope for a successful professional career and their degree.
Every alumnus’ professional aspiration began on the path from student to graduate. This can be seen from Hamdan, who earned a Bachelor in Computer Science (Network Computing) with Honours from the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (FCSIT), UNIMAS, as he shared his hope for being able to contribute to the professional career or to his respective fields where he can grow individually as a whole.
Hamdan highlighted the importance of planning for the future, which can be interpreted as the common principle for any postgraduate.
Planning helps individuals set clear goals and determine their sense of direction, thus building structures for decision-making.
A concrete plan can act as a motivation tool, especially for students, giving them reasons to work hard and stay on track with their objectives. Goals serve as a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when achieved.
Student life has taught Hamdan to always appreciate time, where prioritising academic tasks should be a main priority.
Indeed, this was because of a significant lesson that Hamdan had to face, where he had to do many jobs at one time that interrupted his sleep schedule.
Amidst the academic challenges, Hamdan felt that his degree journey has helped him improve in the aspect of resilience. For him, his journey does not end with a degree.
While delving into his professional career, he aims to pursue a master’s degree in the future.
Resilience is a common theme in the advice given by alumni to current and upcoming graduates as they consider their own experiences.
He stressed the value of remaining proactive, never stopping learning, and viewing obstacles as chances for development in a job market that occasionally appears difficult.
Hamdan advised the younger generation not to be picky about their job selection and to take the opportunity to build experience to prepare and adapt to industry trends.
This can lead to many unexpected opportunities where it represents chances to explore different roles, industries, and organisations, which can lead to discovering hidden passions and a broader perspective.
In essence, convocation marks a transitional path that fosters a sense of venture into what they want to be after graduating. The path towards a degree is not just increasing in the academic realm but can also help someone spark their personal growth.
Because Hamdan’s story shows that obstacles can be overcome with perseverance and a positive outlook, it can help foster a positive mindset. This may inspire students to approach their education and future undertakings with fortitude, hope, and self-belief.
• This article was written by a student from the Strategic Communication Programme at the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication, UNIMAS.
