November 2011


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I Graduated!

By Rayna Maharaj

The day finally came. Indeed it was one of the happiest days on my life – worth the money, time, patience, perseverance, lack of sleep and more.

“Would they please hurry up and call us in!”

It was the thought racing through my mind as we stood waiting impatiently outside SPEC, in line before the ceremony.

My (former!) classmates and I were enthusiastic about the ceremony starting, but were also excited about its end, because when it finished, that meant we could officially add those three big letters behind our names.

While we were all in awe at Brian Lara receiving his Honorary Doctorate at our Ceremony, it still couldn’t take the shine off of us, knowing that we about to get our five seconds of fame; five seconds which would we would remember for a lifetime. As the Dean began calling names, my heart began to race. I could not contain my nervous excitement, hoping Dr. [Hamid] Ghany pronounced my name correctly, maintaining a smile until my jaw hurt, and of course hoping I wouldn’t trip while walking off stage. Apart from the bright camera lights which hit the stage, I could see the radiance and glow in everyone’s faces. Better yet, apart from seeing it, I could feel it. It felt great. That moment when I was next in line to receive my certificate erased all the cries, sleepless nights, boring meals, lectures and stresses of UWI life.

Being in SPEC on Graduation day took me back to Orientation day, UWI Life 2008, which seemed like just yesterday. Those five seconds on stage compensated for the challenging three years. Seeing the smiles on the faces of my friends and family, in addition to all the warm wishes, made me extra happy knowing I made persons other than myself proud. God carried me through this journey; He molded me to motivate myself and be the best that I could have been; along with the support of my family, friends, lecturers and colleagues.

Making the decision to pursue my tertiary education has been by far, one of my best decisions. Anyone can have an education but, combined with the right mindset, persistence, patience, love and support; it makes the journey and experience of having an education worth the time and sacrifice. I feel proud and honoured to be a Graduate of The University of the West Indies. My future is now limitless and unwritten. Anything is possible.