PAGES OF MY LIFE

Part 12: Graduation day

Graduation Day in the Philippines

The sun was bright and clear, casting a warm glow over the graduation ceremony. The campus was filled with the buzz of excitement and the proud smiles of families and friends. Evan, Lai, and Lee stood together in their caps and gowns, their faces reflecting a mix of relief and joy.

"I can't believe it's finally here," Evan said, his voice filled with awe as he looked around. "After all the late nights and endless studying, we made it."

Lai adjusted her cap, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "It feels surreal, doesn't it? I'm so proud of us. We've come a long way."

Lee grinned, his excitement palpable. "Yeah, and we've got big plans ahead. This is just the beginning."

As they gathered for a group photo, Evan took a moment to reflect. "You know, I've been thinking a lot about what's next. I'm going to keep pursuing my music. It's been my dream, and now that I've got my degree, I want to take it to the next level."

Lai nodded, her smile broadening. "And I'm going to start my career as a preschool teacher. I've always loved working with kids, and now I get to make a difference in their lives."

Lee looked thoughtful. "I'm diving into my own company. I've been working on a video game project for a while, and now that I've graduated, I'm ready to launch it."

Evan clapped Lee on the back. "That's awesome, man. I can't wait to see what you come up with."

"And I'm excited to start this new chapter," Lai added. "We've all worked so hard, and now we get to chase our dreams."

As they chatted and celebrated, the ceremony continued, and the air was filled with the sounds of applause and cheers. The day was theirs to enjoy, a culmination of their efforts and a springboard to their future endeavors.

Graduation Day in Switzerland

The graduation ceremony in Switzerland was equally joyous, though the atmosphere was a bit more subdued and formal. The scenic backdrop of the Swiss Alps provided a stunning setting for the event. Thandar and Lucas stood among their fellow graduates, their faces beaming with pride and accomplishment.

"I can't believe we're finally here," Thandar said, her voice filled with emotion as she looked at her diploma. "It feels like just yesterday we were starting this journey."

Lucas nodded, his eyes shining with pride. "And look at us now. You're officially a surgeon, and I'm a nurse. We've come so far."

Thandar smiled, her heart swelling with pride and gratitude. "I couldn't have done it without your support, Lucas. We've pushed each other to be our best."

"I'm grateful for you too," Lucas said, his voice sincere. "It's been an amazing journey, and I'm excited to see where it takes us."

As they posed for photos with their diplomas, Thandar took a deep breath. "I'm looking forward to starting my residency and making a difference in people's lives. It's been a long road, but it's worth it."

Lucas grinned. "And I'm eager to start working as a nurse. We've got a lot of work ahead of us, but we're ready for it."

They shared a moment of quiet reflection, savoring the accomplishment of their hard-earned degrees. The ceremony concluded with cheers and congratulations, and Thandar and Lucas knew that this was just the beginning of their professional careers.

"You will go back to the Philippines now?" Lucas asked.

"Yeah," I replied. "I'm meeting my family and working on setting up my own hospital. With Prof. April's help and guidance, I'll be starting private hospitals both in the Philippines and here in Switzerland."

"That's great," Lucas said, though there was a hint of sadness in his voice. "We might part ways someday."

I nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Yes, you'll be going back to L.A., right?"

"Yeah," Lucas said, his gaze distant. "My mom is waiting for me there. She needs me."

Lucas took a deep breath, her mind racing. "If you go back to Philippines., there's a chance you might cross paths with him again. Are you ready for that?" Lucas looked at me, his expression thoughtful.

"I guess we never really know how life will unfold. But if it happens, I'll have to be prepared. I paused, my emotions a mix of apprehension and resolve. "I've been thinking about that a lot. Part of me is still unsure, but I know that facing the past is something I'll have to do eventually. It's a part of moving forward."

Lucas nodded, offering a supportive smile. "Whatever happens, just remember that you've come a long way. You've achieved so much, and you're stronger than you know."

"Thanks, Lucas," I said, my voice filled with gratitude. "I couldn't have made it this far without your support. Thank you for always understanding me."