Ancora Imparo Graduation Ceremony..

Knowing that you are about to attend your graduation ceremony without you realising it... Tells you that time passes by fast.. Too fast.. Super Duper Fast.. Lightning Speed, in fact.. I cant believe I am at the end of my Ancora Imparo Program.. And this has only one impact on me.. Total SADNESS!!~

The ceremony was superb!! The Vice-Chancellor said a few words.. Jenny said a few words on our behalf and best of all, I got my certificate and photo taken with the VC. After that, I was introduced to a few "important" people like the Dean of IT faculty. Everyone was everywhere talking, catching up with each other about their own lives and experiences. It was a night that I didnt want to put an end to.. After the mingling session, we had our book presentation. I was put on a spot in the very last minute by Ned who didnt want to stand up there alone. Our book was on Hitler & Stalin and seriously, it was a pretty boring book!! I couldnt think of anything to say so I made a fool of myself.. I made jokes about how long it took for us to read and how none of my group members, except Ned, remember what was in it. Then, Ned helped me out after that.. He just wanted to see me making a fool of myself!! SO MEAN!! Hehehe.. Then, we head on down to Transport, a pub @ Flinders. It was alright.. I guess!! There were so many "old" people.. We seemed like kids.. Some of my friends were already drunk and that was funny!! Hahaha.. I was high that night and couldnt contain my excitement!! Haiz.. I wish we didnt have to catch the train so quick!! I hate Melbourne's transport system!! ARGH!!.. But it was overall a good, enjoyable event!! Im gonna miss ma Ancora Retardos!!..

I can still remember earlier this year, February 2006. I remember that I was pretty nervous and skeptical about what Im going to learn from this program.. The Vice-Chancellor Ancora Imparo Student Leadership Program. More importantly, I was pretty worried about how the people from this program will accept me. This would be the first time I have to hang and talk to 39 other students and be in the same program for an entire year!! I remember packing up my bag, not knowing what clothes to wear on which day and what I should bring. What will be provided,etc. I mean in Singapore when you say Leadership Training, it kinda means... CAMP, TENT, SLEEPING BAG!! Hahaha... But here we are going to a place called PortSea, located somewhere on the Western Side of Victoria (i think!) Wow.. I SO can remember the first time I met them.. The guy who talked to me first was Marty.. The first girl was Laura!! It was SO awesome!! Just standing there at the Bus Loop, staring at each other, wondering what was going to happen! It was really, really amazing!!

Now, 8 months have passed and I have really, really, TRULY learnt alot from this program. From my new found friends.. the facilitators, the topics that was discussed every night. I havent ever missed a single session and Im proud of that!! If it wasnt for such a wonderful program, I wouldnt have made friends with some of the BEST people coming from Monash Uni. Each and every one of us contributes something so special to the group. The bond that I share with 39 other strangers are wordless.. I mean.. I know I will have these guys as my friends for life.. What makes it more unbelievable is the friendship and sisterhood that I formed with some of them..

Caitlin.. The EVER so gorgeous girl who i will NEVER EVER forget!! From the first day we met, we can hardly stop talking.. I SO understand her and she gets me for who i am.. Its unbelievable how friendly and warm and kind and generous she can be..

Connie.. My KOREAN AUSSIE friend!! Her soul is so pure.. So kind.. So "out there".. She always have time for me and always know when Im not myself and feeling down.. I can talk to her about anything and EVERYTHING!! And she understands and we communicate on a level that is so amazing!!

Bodye!! Someone who comes from such a different background from me.. YET we connect on so many levels!! Her experiences, intelligence and openess is unlimited.. Her ideas and future dreams.. She will be a great journalist or perhaps a humanitarian or maybe politician.. One day.. Someday..

You know I could go on... and on.. about all my 39 friends... However, these 3 extraordinary people have touched my life and my heart the most.. I love them to death!! I love all my Ancora Retardos.. My life would never have been the same without them.. NEVER!! Thanks for making a mega huge difference in my life guys..

Here are some photos I manage to take that night!! My official photo with the Vice-Chancellor has yet to arrive... So maybe I'll put it up soon enough!!..~~

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