Life in the university is a journey filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable memories. One of the most remarkable stages in this journey is the final year, the culmination of years of hard work, sleepless nights, and the guidance of lecturers who, though sometimes strict, were always intentional about shaping us for a brighter future.
This picture captures a special moment after our successful project defense, standing alongside our friends and our level adviser, Dr. Pedro, who played a significant role in guiding us through our academic journey. It was taken in front of the Lab 1 (Physical Science 1) in the Faculty of Science, a place we have come to associate with long hours of laboratory work, presentations, and countless lectures.
Our project defense wasn’t just a formality; it was a test of everything we had learned over the years. The weeks leading up to it were filled with anxiety, corrections, and serious preparation. The pressure was real, some of us barely slept the night before. Yet, we stood tall, confident in the knowledge and experience we had gathered through hard work, collaboration, and perseverance.
Dr. Pedro, like many of our lecturers, didn’t go easy on us. There were times we felt frustrated, when our work was returned for corrections over and over, when he demanded more effort, or when he called us to order for unserious behavior. But in hindsight, we now understand that his firmness was out of genuine care. He wanted the best from us, and more importantly, the best for us. He didn’t just teach us science; he taught us discipline, responsibility, and excellence.
This day, the atmosphere was different. The air was filled with joy, relief, and a deep sense of accomplishment. Smiles were genuine. Hugs were warm. We took pictures not just to celebrate but to capture a moment that symbolizes the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
Among us are future scientists, researchers, educators, and change-makers. And as we stood side-by-side with the man who mentored us through thick and thin, it was clear that this was not just the end of an academic session, it was the start of a new season in life. We had grown, matured, and become better versions of ourselves.
It’s also impossible not to mention the bond we formed as classmates and friends. We were more than just a class, we became a family. We supported each other through tough courses, shared materials, practiced together for defenses, and encouraged one another when it felt like giving up was the easier option.
This experience with friends and lecturers reminds us that greatness is never achieved in isolation. Behind every successful student are mentors who believed in them, challenged them, and never gave up on them, even when the students wanted to give up on themselves.
To every lecturer who was hard on us, thank you. Your firmness built in us the strength and resilience we now celebrate. To every friend who stood by us, we made it, together. And to Dr. Pedro, your leadership, humility, and dedication will remain a legacy in our hearts.