I did it!!

Saturday 16 June 2018 is officially marked as the day I graduated from Bond University to join the ranks of past and present alumni.

It took me a total of 7 years and 5 months to don that graduation gown and mortar board before receiving my degree in Bachelor of Business [International Business major].

As I had battled many life challenges to finish my studies, you could understand why I was excited when graduation day arrived.

Well, business studies done and now half-way through Bachelor of Laws degree.

FROM THE BEGINNING

Due to teenage life circumstances, I was unable to finish my high school studies back in Melbourne. Despite that, I went on to live a good life of having a successful business, extensive travel, investment portfolio and married-life bliss.

However, I had always dreamed of one day being able to finish both high school and university properly.

After selling our 6-year-old business in 2010 due to the Global Financial Crisis, I thought this was the right time to head back to school.

To kickstart my academic journey in 2011, I completed a 12-month Certificate IV in Tertiary Adult Preparation at Gold Coast TAFE as I hadn’t been in a classroom for about 14 years by then.

As you can imagine, I was truly rusty! However, you couldn’t wipe the excitement off my face, as I sat amongst my much younger peers and re-discovered a whole new world of learning.

After graduating from TAFE, I was admitted into Bond to start from January 2013 studying a double degree in Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws.

BOND UNIVERSITY JOURNEY

I started my business degree with so much zeal that I went out and bought a whole new wardrobe. I also invested in long-lasting leather goods from Kikki.K’s Stockholm collection, such as a sturdy school bag and compendiums in both A5 and A4.

I bought myself pens and highlighters in every colour because, you know, unhealthy obsession with beautiful stationery over here.

Each business subject I undertook were both enjoyable and interesting, and I loved being in class with new-found friends. There were lots of wonderful memories made in the classroom and away from the books.

With Bond’s accelerated program, I managed to complete my business studies after 2 years and within that time, I traveled to South Africa as a legal intern towards my upcoming law degree, toured China for my business degree, started a business, became a fashion designer, joined a committee against domestic violence and began this blog.

THE END OF THE FIRST CHAPTER

Following a period of academic deferment in 2016, I applied to graduate with my  business degree.

An old dream I had was to graduate in a pair of red-soled Christian Loubotins, so I was over the moon to collect my new pair of heels for the occassion.

My parents, who are now semi-retired, flew in for the big day bearing gifts. It was a proud moment to have them be a part of my graduating day and introduce them to friends.

The biggest joy of all was having hubby there, my one big supporter and encourager through both the good and tough times.

The graduation ceremony was grand and full of cheer. Although these ceremonies are usually quite long, it was incredibly special to hear each and every graduating student be cheered on as they walked the podium to receive their certificate.

There was a moment when I thought my name wouldn’t be called out but I was only apprehensive as nerves began to take a hold of me. In fact, I was actually more nervous about tripping on stage in my 4-inch high-heels than anything else.

However, I had nothing to worry about. Hearing my name announced and receiving my degree with a handshake from our Chancellor, The Honourable Dr. Annabelle Bennett, will remain one of the major highlights of my academic journey.

The ceremony ended with a big round of applause from all of our gathered family and friends, as my cohort and I began our march towards the door as newly crowned graduates.

After more mingling with friends, colleagues and peers, it was off to a celebratory dinner and drinks with a very special few. My hands were full of flowers, gifts and cards, whilst my heart was full of gratitude for this moment shared with loved ones.

This academic journey has only just begun for I know I will be forever learning and growing. Yet, for now, after 7 years of blood, sweat and tears, graduating from uni in Loubotin heels with my loved ones in the crowd cheering me on is undoubtedly one of the happiest moments of my life!

I think back to that teenage girl who left high-school early back in the day. Well, she grew up to fulfill long-standing passions along the way with conviction. Dreams do come true if you’re prepared to work hard, remain focused on end goals and persevere in the face of challenges.

“Never, never, never give up!” Sir Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of United Kingdom 1940-1945, 1951-1955.