A Graduation Letter
A few weeks ago, I officially graduated! Even as I’m typing this now it feels surreal. Because time is so fascinating on how it can feel like you’re stuck in the midst of it all and when you finally look up, it’s actually done. Five years. This is a milestone that means the most to me in my life (even if many will tell me I still have such a long journey ahead of me). But I say this because I came to UBC broken and tired from countless unexplainable health challenges. I never thought I would graduate the way I did and to have come out of this chapter of my life immensely blessed by the never ending compassion and support of this incredible community. My heart was filled and it was hugged by just how beautiful and kind humanity can be. And each day forward, I will never forget what UBC means to me and what it has done for me. So without further adieu, I share a letter I’ve written and a video I’ve put together of all the lessons that come from the trials and triumphs of undergrad. Enjoy xx
Dear UBC,
When I first came to campus, I was angry. I hadn’t expected to transfer schools nor to restart my life again back home in Vancouver. And it terrified me to feel such emotions of bitterness and disappointment because I was supposed to be better than this. Why couldn’t I just get over it? So each day, I fumed silently walking along West Mall to get to my classes in Buchanan. The weather seemed more often than not to represent my conflicting emotions. The sun peeking through the clouds slyly and then just as quickly, rain pelting down hard by afternoon. But you were patient and you were kind. As the years progressed, I started to miss the heavy winds and wet clothes while on exchange in Paris or on co-op downtown. The warmth of Nori udons for lunch or the familiar scent of Great Dane after a long day of classes. The big big big campus I used to find excessive and such a workout to navigate became home. Oh, you’re trying to find Triple O’s, okay yes right there. Keep walking and then make a right. Overtime, I started to see the signs of how everything and everyone had been for me. The professors giving just enough encouragement and feedback to keep me going. The extracurricular opportunities and friends introducing me to a whole different side of Vancouver I had never known. You know, I can’t even begin to comprehend that I won’t be on campus this fall. How this past year at home–online– was just incomparable to to you, the real thing. The vibrant energies of back to school. The crisp leaves and beautiful swirling colours surrounding all of us as we caught up with friends on the past summers. The silent motivations and norms of library behaviour being what we all needed to get through midterm and finals seasons. I miss it. I miss the reflective and transparent windows of Allard library, where I spent most my days studying. I miss the long lines to the washrooms in Buchanan after a long lecture. I miss the puddles along stir it up cafe and the ‘it’s taking forever’ orders at Koerner’s Pub. I even miss how crowded the AMS gets when it’s lunch hour or how I missed just the last chunky chocolate Bluechip cookie. And yes, I even miss the frustration of not catching the 99 in time and having to bear the cold and wet air of Vancouver in the late fall and early winter. And it’s because of you. You who have been my silent champion and understanding friend. I will miss you the very most.
I graduated from the University of British Columbia on June 2nd, 2021. This video is a recollection of the past five years of my undergraduate journey and ten lessons that I have learned. Ultimately, this remains a homage to all the people who have shaped the person I am today and imparted their compassion and wisdom to me. I am forever grateful.
*The original concept of the video is inspired by Jenn Im, created with Canva, and uplifted by the incredible Taylor Swift.
