Luvprada

Week 6

This coming week is week 6 of S1 2008. Some comments up to this point:

Being a postgraduate can sometimes be a rather weird experience: I am trapped between the undergraduates and the academics, and can veer between the lifestyles and attitudes of the two groups. Basically, I am trying to become an academic while secretly wishing I was an undergraduate. But postgraduate life can also be quite comforting. It’s a nice middle ground: some maturity required, but not too much. After the hedonistic, exciting undergraduate years, it’s a soft landing.

 This evening was my Bachelor degree graduation ceremony. I must say that I hadn’t really thought about it that much about until the day was upon me (perhaps caused by the tedious FEA and CFD assignments) then at about 2pm I suddenly became really excited! Mum, Dad and Grandma were with me for the whole amazing day and I don’t think any of us stopped smiling for more than five minutes at a time.

I experienced a wealth of feelings as the day progressed: excitement, nervousness (little though), joy, pride and happiness. I also experienced what I think was the pinnacle of that feeling of being unstoppable. I really could have taken on the world…and won!

In the midst of all that confidence though, I also know that I spent a very mindful day in celebration. There are many moments that I remember with total clarity. I have those mental images that are almost like perfect photographs - colourful, bright and sharply detailed. I remember clearly phrases that people used and the faces of those who congratulated me, as throughout the day I focused on each moment with my family and friends.

Mindful and unstoppable combined into one celebratory day, who could ask for more?

I now walk into one of the most crucial phase of life where ability coupled with constant try, determination and hard work pays off for a bright future……………….

Special Thanks to : Kai Lee, Ai Fen, Cheng Heng, Foo Loong, Sahn Rhouw, Boon Kiat, Chan Kit, Qim Yi, Yong Khing, Wei Mei, Heng Meng, Nick Wong, Alvin Tan who turned up on this particular evenful day.

My enormous gratitude to my mom, dad and grandmom who came all the way to Sydney!

Taken on 29 March 2008 3pm

Was walking to the postgrad computer lab, saw this half way…

Nice huh?

*Andrew Foo’s convocation with his family members

This picture conjures up a lot of picture in my mind. Family. Our family — the set of people with whom we live our lives are often ignored. We expect our family to understand without offering explanation, forgive without offering apologies, share without making any contribution, and support without meeting any expectations.

Two weeks, that’s the period from now, I will have my graduation ceremony and my family members are coming, and the graduation will create some memories which can be reflected in later years. I long for it.

This blog will chronicle my life as a Ph.D. student at University of New South Wales, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. I will be obtaining a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in MEMS???? It would be a long road getting here, but I’m up for the challenge.

I have been planning and working on getting into this research program for over a year and it payed off in late 2007 when I was notified that I was offered the scholarship. It was one of the proudest moments of my life to this point.

This was what I wrote two years+ ago:

‘Direction determines where am i aheaded. I have my goals. A plan helps immensely. Excitement helps me keep on track when the going gets tough. Positive outlook helps me continue to see things as they really are.

Determine your future. Be determined. Be pigheaded. Don’t give in if you’re right. Don’t give up!’

I can sense that mum wasn’t really agree on my plan initially until she was reassured by several of my relatives.. and so I know it will be difficult, but I do know also that when I defend my thesis and receive my Ph.D. I will be one of the very few, if any, to have such an honour bestowed upon my family name and I will be very proud.

I must say now that I thank my family for allowing me to pursue my dream. I have given up following most people track finding a job right after graduate, seek for a comfortable, a high-level middle class livings, but to follow a challenging, tough path which would give me sense of achievement at the end of the day, perhaps!!

Let the games begin.

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