My Parents' Proudest Moment

Last week was a hectic week for me, a week with many walking that is. As you know, I am still "handicapped" after my surgery. The recovery has been very very slow. Thus till now, I still had to limp while walking. This makes my walking experience unpleasurable. Nevertheless going out and walk beat staying at home and get bored to death. At least its an exercise for my dear knee.

Got myself involved in NTUMS Freshmen Orientation Camp. Not a major role, just a handicapped station master. In fact I think I didn't do much except for the night walk probably. Reason for going was more of meeting friends than to help around cause seriously, there is nothing to help. There was more than enough hands and legs to assist the FOC adhoc committee. In fact from my observation, the amount of helpers that were around during the FOC could have been used for a camp with participants of about 100 people but there were only 30 participants. Nevertheless I had enjoyed myself and I thank the FOC adhoc for inviting me and giving me the opportunity to contribute in promoting good and forbid evil.

Smacked right in the middle of the FOC was my graduation ceremony a.k.a. convocation. Objectively and personally, I think convocation is a waste of time and money. Nothing was given out during the ceremony that was important. All certificates and transcripts were given out prior to the convocation. What was given at the stage was just an empty folder. Having said that however, I feel that it marks an important day for family and friends. For parents, it was the proudest day for them to see their son or daughter wearing the robe and going on stage to receive the so-called certificate. It marks the greatest achievement for them and also a sense of satisfaction that all their efforts in bringing up their son or daughter had paid off. One incident that really touches my heart was when I saw an old lady assisted by her son slowing climbing down the stairs probably trying to get a closer look at her grandson or granddaughter receiving the folder. To think that such effort by the old lady really shows that the convocation is really an important ceremony. It is actually not for us but actually for our parents.