💡From The Diary Of Noorin💡

Chapter 14

Repent to Allah, Allah loves those who turn back to him.

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Graduation day; I can't believe it! I did it!

"...welcome to the graduation for the class of 2019..."
I have waited patiently for long to here those words. Today I can proudly say I'm officially an alumnus of University of Oxford England and I will proudly call myself a pharmacist. It was quite a long and a roller coaster ride. A consolidation of decades of hard work and sacrifices. Gone are days where I have to wake up early morning from my comfy bed to attend my classes. That was the tough one actually and it's the most that always eat me up. But Alhamdulillah is all I can say now as I've accomplished a lot of things which I thought I wasn't capable of.

To some, going to school is an option, for others it is a struggle, just trying to make it. But no matter what kind of a person you are, or how you make it to graduate, being able to be dressed in the graduation gown and walk proudly across the stage is one of the best moments of life.

I listened as speeches were made by various figures; the university chancellor, pro-chancellor, registerer, some guest of honor etc. They all congratulated us for making it this far, for it's really not an easy task to obtain a degree. Thousands of applauses echoed as we were told to lined up on the stage as we were given our certificates.

Something happened which I wasn't expecting, I was called out as the best graduate. It feels surreal. I knew I'm an intelligent and a very hard working student but actually not compared to some other students whom I knew are better than me. But I can only say Alhamdulillah for this, I'm really proud of the woman I'm becoming. Making my family and myself proud, that gave me a great feeling inside.

I walked across the stage nervously trying very hard not to tremble. I got cheered on as I stood in front of the mic.

"Ehmmm...Good afternoon parents, teachers and my fellow students. My name is Noorin Othman Ali..." I released a breath which I wasn't aware I was holding.

"Walking into this school four years back, I actually didn't know what I was trying to get myself into, I was clueless as to what life will be like schooling in a completely different environment and in between thousands of different people from different regions. The teaching style, the lectures were all different from what I experienced in my home country. And one of the funniest thing I've gone through was, I always find it hard to locate my lecture hall, this school is kind of big. But at times goes by I started adjusting to the system here as I got a lot of friends who'd helped me out. And now as I stood here before you as the best graduating student, it feels surreal. I knew I worked hard, yes I do! But to be the best graduate I never dream of that to be honest. I don't know the words enough to show my gratitude. Alhamdulillah is all I can say". I took a deep breath as my gaze met with Abee and Ammeey who sat side by side. I smiled widely as tears of happiness rolled down my cheeks.

"My family...they helped me become the person I am today, they were all there by my side all the time. Encouragement was one of the biggest and unforgettable thing they have done for me. They keep pushing me towards my dreams and aspirations. I'm really proud of you and I can't replace you for the world. Thank you for all the encouragements, support and most importantly the love and affection you've shown me everyday. You're the reason I'm standing here as the best graduating student. I have successfully overcome all sorts of downturns and I can't shy away from saying this In front of the crowd...I love you so much! I really do!...this is for you" I raised my award as I said the last sentence. The crowd cheered.

"And also I want to thank all my teachers, my mentors, my tutors, for they have done a great job in my life. Thank you for helping me out to achieve my dreams". I wiped away my tears with the back of my palms.