Graduation Day

Once in life, my option was to become a teacher. That was either to study in Samtse or at Paro College of Education. It was nobody’s influence. However, it was a genuine call from my heart. That was when I was in my middle secondary school.

I studied hard.

With excellent marks, I got to opt for science as my major in higher secondary studies. There were three options again. Either I opt for Biology or Mathematics or study both: bio-math. I was in a dilemma for a few months about whether to leave Biology or take both. Finally, my decision was bold. I majored in mathematics.

I put in a lot of hard work.

I have my own reason for the hard work. I am a son of a farmer. The suffering of my father and the stature of the have-nots of my parents impelled me to study more and harder. With an unexpected result in the twelfth standard, I was qualified for professional studies outside the country and was ranked in the top twenty overall. 

Hard work alone does not count all the time. For a disadvantaged boy like me after class twelve, there was no one to help. When my friends went for selection interviews for professional courses, I was left behind.

I will always remember that moment in my life. It was 6^th March 2008, the day for selection interviews for various professional courses. At that time, I was engaged in a temporary job with the Kuensel store to make little earnings. The job was hectic because it involved shifting heavy loads of paper.  I saw my friends waiting for other friends near Thimphu Chorten. They were going for the interview. They saw me passing down the footpath with my lunchbox. It was the saddest moment, and I couldn’t wish them good luck nor stare at them. They felt the same way too. They were helpless. The best possibility was to continue my steps down the footpath with a heavy heart. I cried for the first time as a grown-up boy.

It was a moment of real sadness.

Within a year after serving as an Assistant Chemist in a private organization, I got an equivalent opportunity to study again. I got admitted to the College of Science and Technology with a major in Civil Engineering. I studied diligently, and now it is time for me to leave this wonderful college.

As I fold my arms today, I am proud to be ONE!

Today as I complete my training and fold my arms, I feel proud to be ONE. I dedicate the moment and degree to my great father, who is happy with the news. I miss you, Dad. See you soon back home.

Tomorrow is my graduation day.