Girl, I just Graduado!

 

Three years ago, I decided to pursue an MBA. When I conveyed my decision to my parents, they were super supportive of me. And today, at the 26th Graduation Day celebration at SSN Institutions, receiving my degree made me realise that I have come full circle. What a day it turned out to be!

I still vividly remember the first day my mom and dad accompanied me to enrol in the MBA program in July 2023. Since it was a two-year residential program and my first hostel experience, I was very excited. I had never stayed away from my parents until then. So, they were quite apprehensive about my staying away from them, although they never showed it on their faces.

In the blink of an eye, I completed my course, and here I am, receiving my degree along with my parents.

Decked up in a salwar suit, I reached the venue with my parents. After taking some customary pictures, which my mom insists on quite often, I completed the registration process and collected my graduation robe.

A candid pose!

Our customary snap!

Meeting our friends and classmates felt both good and nostalgic. Everyone came with their parents, and as I looked around, I found pride and joy brimming on each and every parent’s face, including mine. 

When the time came, I, along with my friends and parents, entered the auditorium. We had to be seated in our designated seats. After finding my seat, I looked around for my parents. To my surprise, I found them both seated in the front row of the middle column.

I went to them and said, “Seems like you guys got the perfect seat!”

To which my mom replied comically, “Well, that’s because my daughter is a rank holder!”

Dad and I laughed at her remark.

Then, Mom asked me to take a picture of them together, which I immediately obliged. Through the lens, I could visibly see the happiness and pride on both their faces. And seeing them happy made me even happier.

Happy faces!

The chief guest for the event was Mr T. S. Tirumurti, a retired IFS officer. I had read about him in newspapers, and meeting him in person made me feel elated. He gave a wonderful graduation address and kept the entire audience hooked.

Then, the event started, and the first department to receive the degree was the MBA. I have been conferred the department silver medal for having earned second rank.

As I stood there waiting to be called, I recollected how everything had started. And when it was my turn, I greeted the dignitaries on the dais and shook hands with Tirumurti sir. He placed the medal and handed me the degree certificate. Before I looked at the cameraman to pose, I saw my parents seated right in front of me. An ineffable happiness filled me as I saw the pride on their faces. The memory of my dad and mom each holding a phone in one hand and waving at me with toothy smiles on their faces will forever be etched in my heart. If this is what I get to see, then all my efforts and hardships were worth it! After a brief look at them, I turned towards the cameraman and gave my best smile.

The highlight of the day

The event went smoothly and ended with us taking the quintessential graduation oath. Once the event was over, I rushed to my parents with a big smile. My dad was waiting with the camera turned on, and the moment I came near, he started taking snaps. Well, that’s my dad. 😉

The proud me!

Their smile says it all!

After all the photos and snaps, I received my mobile from my dad and called the one who holds my heart. He couldn't be with me in person, and I missed having him by my side on such a special day. But the event had been live telecast, and I had shared the link with him the night before. Knowing that he was watching those moments from afar somehow made the distance feel a little smaller.

The moment the line got connected, I heard him say, “Congratulations, Krishi! I am super proud of you! And I am really happy for you! Yay, my wife is a rank holder!”

I blushed and replied with a smile, “Thank you.”

Among all the beautiful moments of the day, hearing him say that he was proud of me touched my heart in a way I cannot fully put into words. It made the day feel even more special, and for a moment, I simply stood there soaking in the happiness of it all with the biggest smile on my face.

Soon after, my sister, my grandparents, and my extended family wished me and told me that they were proud of me. Hearing their wishes and blessings truly made my day.

Overall, it was a great day, and I am looking forward to achieving many more milestones!

On a side note, I couldn’t believe that Sprygge is three years old. I started it when I began my MBA journey. Looking back, I am really proud of myself for following my passion and continuing to do so. But then, to quote Robert Frost, Miles to go before I sleep!

I wish, and I will continue to write more and post more here!

Stay tuned, folks!

Tchuss!